Wildcats Grab Win Away from Bearcats, 68-55

By Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University women's basketball team was defeated by the visiting Linfield College Wildcats on Saturday, Jan. 9. Linfield defeated the Bearcats 68-55 to earn its first Northwest Conference victory of the season.

Linfield moved to 3-10 overall and 1-3 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 2-11 and 0-4 in the NWC.

One bright spot for the Bearcats was the 3-point shooting provided by Alex Zennan (Jr., G, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS). Zennan knocked down seven 3-point shots en route to a game-high 27 points. The seven 3-pointers tied Willamette's single game record, previously held by Amy Ulrey (1995) and Kelly Sorenson (2000). Zennan's previous career high was six 3-point field goals against Whitworth University last season.

The Bearcats and Wildcats battled back and forth throughout the first half, before Linfield went on an 8-2 run in the closing minutes to grab a 36-23 halftime lead. Linfield shot well from the free throw line in the first half, connecting on 11 of 12 attempts.

Willamette made multiple attempts to battle back in the second half, but could never completely erase the halftime deficit. Willamette and Linfield each scored 32 points in the second half.

Linfield outshot WU from the field and from the three-point line. The Wildcats shot 33.3% on field goals (18 of 54) and made 36.8% from behind the arc (7 of 19). The Bearcats shot just 29.7% from the field (19 of 64) and 26.9% from the 3-point line (7 of 26).

Willamette made 5 out of 5 free throw shots in the second half to finish with 76.9% accuracy from the free throw line (10 of 13). Linfield shot 73.5% at the line and made 25 of 34 attempts.

Keilyn Fujioka (Jr., P, Kailua, HI/Iolani School) contributed 12 points, six rebounds, five blocks and two assists. The junior post player was 5 of 9 from the field and 2 of 2 at the free throw line. Zennan added six steals and six rebounds to go along with her 27 points.

The Bearcats received a spark off the bench from junior transfer Shayna Glynn (P, Boise, ID/Walla Walla CC). Glynn, who has been battling an ankle injury all season long, hauled down eight rebounds in just 12 minutes of play.

Linfield was led by Gretchen Owens. Owens recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Three other Wildcats, Kelsey Forrest (15), Lindsey Gummersall (14) and Nadra Evans (10) scored in double figures.

Willamette is back in action on Tuesday, Jan.12 against Lewis & Clark College. The game is set to begin at 8 p.m. (PDT) in Cone Field House.