Women’s basketball had mixed success last week as they continued their attempt to stay in playoff position. Heading into the week with a 7-5 record in conference play, the Loggers were fighting desperately to qualify for the fourth and final playoff spot in the NWC.
Their first game of the week came on Tuesday, Feb. 7, as they hosted rival Pacific Lutheran University. The game took place on “Think Pink” night in front of a good crowd and was televised locally; all eyes were on the Loggers.
Despite being buoyed by the fan support, the Loggers started off the game flat. The Lutes opened up a 19-10 lead to begin the game before the Loggers were able to respond. From there, the Loggers’ leading scorer, junior Kelsey McKinnis (Ashland, Ore.) sparked the team by drilling back-to-back three-pointer shots that brought the Loggers within three points of the Lutes.
The score stayed close for the rest of the first half, but the Loggers ultimately finished the first half with a 33-31 advantage, thanks to two free throws by junior Lindsay Leyland (Homer, Alaska).
In the second half, however, the Loggers put some distance between themselves and their opponents. Freshman Amanda Forshay (Moraga, Calif.) knocked down a three-pointer at the beginning of the second half, keying an 11-0 run that effectively put the game out of reach for the Lutes. Following that run, the Lutes never came within eight points, and the Loggers extended their advantage as high as 21 points at one time in the game. In the end, the Loggers held on for a relatively easy 64-50 victory.
The keys to both games for the Loggers were defense and rebounding, and the Loggers dominated in both categories. They controlled the offensive glass, gathering 15 offensive rebounds to the Lutes’ nine, and ultimately leading to 13 second-chance points. In addition, their second-half success was keyed by lockdown defense. The Loggers held the Lutes to only 38.8 percent shooting overall, and they allowed only 19 points in the second half. Moreover, the Loggers forced 23 turnovers, which they were able to convert into 22 points.
Looking to build on their previous victory, the Loggers played host to conference-leading George Fox on Friday, Feb. 10. The team knew they were in for a challenge, as George Fox had not lost a game all season and headed into the game with a 12-0 conference record to go with a 21-0 record overall.
In addition to hoping to hand the Bruins their first loss of the year, the Loggers were also looking to avenge a 75-59 loss at the hands of the Bruins earlier in the season. Indeed, the Loggers held up well early in the game, eventually grabbing a 16-15 advantage with just over 12 minutes to play in the first half on a three-point shot by freshman Olivia Roberts (Eugene, Ore.). However, the Bruins took over from there, outscoring the Loggers 23 to 12 the rest of the way to take a 38-28 lead at the half.
Looking to erase a 10-point halftime deficit against the best team in the conference, the Loggers knew they would have to play an almost perfect half of basketball to earn the win. Unfortunately, the Bruins jumped on them early, scoring the first six points of the second half and did not allow the Loggers back into the game. The Loggers never got within less than 13 points for the rest of the second half, and eventually let the game get out of hand, losing 77-56.
Despite the blowout loss, the Loggers still look to be in good shape going forward. Puget Sound holds a two-game lead for fourth place in the NWC with only two games to go. However, the team will be on the road for their final two games as they battle Lewis and Clark and Linfield.
PHOTO COURTESY/DAVID PENDLETON
