The women’s basketball team faced off against the Pacific University Boxers in Oregon last Friday. The Pirates came out on top with a score of 62-45 and a record of 3-1 for conference play.The Pirates started the game strong by scoring eight points before the Boxers could make their first basket in the first period. By the end of the period, the Pirates were able to double the Boxer’s score, 10-5.

During the first half of the second period, the Pirates expanded their lead. Two 3-pointers and three layups brought the score to a crushing 22-9.

“We just knew that we had advantages and that we could explore it,” senior Faith Emerson said. “We just needed to get mentally tough and put the pedal to the metal.”

However, during the third half, the Boxers managed to close the gap and catch up to the Pirates. With just over three minutes left in the third period, the Boxers tied the score 33-33.

The Pirates improved their defense in the fourth period. The Pirates kept the pressure on the Boxers who were unable to score more than 10 points in the final period. The Pirates took back their lead and ended the game with a score of 62-45.

“We picked up our pressure full-court and forced them to have people to handle the ball that weren’t going to make as good decisions as some of their other players,” head coach Hellen Higgs said.

Senior KC McConnell led the team’s offense with six field goals, two three-pointers and three free throws. McConnell also led the team in rebounds with a total of nine.

The women are currently ranked third for the Northwest Conference. George Fox and Whitman currently hold first and second place respectively.

The women’s team will face Willamette in Salem, Oregon on Friday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m.