by Peter Houston-Hencken
Sports Editor
The women’s basketball team split their games this weekend by defeating the Willamette Bearcats, but losing to the George Fox Bruins.Friday’s game against the Bearcats started off strong with senior KC McConnell taking the first 3-pointer of the match. The Pirates found an early lead and reached a score of 19-13 by the end of the period.
In the second period, the Bearcats attempted to catch up by bringing the score to 27-21. However, nine consecutive points by McConnell ended the half, 36-21.
“We were able to pick up our pressure in the second quarter and create scoring opportunities from our defense,” Head Coach Helen Higgs said. “As well as attacking their zone from the inside out.”
Each team scored 14 points in the third period, however, the Bearcats were still far behind the Pirates, 50-35. The Bearcats attempted to close the gap in the final period, however, it would not be enough. An additional four points in free throws at the end of the game set the final score, 58-47.
The team would not find similar success against the Bruins the following night. Minutes into the first period, senior Faith Emerson scored the Pirates’ first field goal and started a small lead for Whitworth. However, the Bruins caught up and the two teams battled for the lead for the rest of the period. The first period ended with a score of 18-16.
The Bruins took the lead in the second period. The Pirates trailed close behind and never let the Bruins take more than a seven-point lead. However, the first half would end with a score of 39-34.
“[George Fox is] a really athletic team and they have a lot of tall players,” McConnell said. “They attacked us from the inside with their height.”
During the second half, the Pirates fell further behind. The Bruins held a solid lead for the rest of the game and kept about a ten-point distance for most of the half. The game ended with a score of 82-72.
The Pirates are in fourth place in the NWC with a conference record of 4-2. The Pirates will play again at home this coming weekend against Pacific Lutheran.
