Linfield Pulls Away from Bearcats, 95-58

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Linfield College shot 52.5% from the field (32 of 61) on its way to a 95-58 victory over Willamette University in a Northwest Conference women's basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 8 at Cone Field House. Linfield held a 45-26 advantage at halftime and gradually continued its lead in the second half.

The Wildcats improved to 7-5 on the season, 2-2 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 1-10 overall, 0-4 in the conference.

Gretchen Owns of Linfield led all players with 29 points. She hit 11 of 20 field goals, including 3 of 6 three-point attempts. She also grabbed six rebounds, earned three steals and had two assists.

Linfield placed three other players in double figures. Micha Pringle provided 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting. Brynna Fuller tacked on 12 points and Chandler Jones added 11 points and five rebounds.

Kaileigh Westermann (Jr., F, Belfair, WA/South Kitsap HS) of Willamette recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. She earned her statistics in just 20 minutes of playing time due to foul trouble after receiving two fouls in the first two minutes.

In addition, Alex Zennan (Sr., G, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) provided the Bearcats with 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists. She was successful on three 3-point baskets. Shayna Glynn (Sr., F, Boise, ID/Capital HS/Walla Walla CC) achieved six points and seven boards.

Willamette trailed 6-0 at the 16-minute mark in the first half, but outscored the Wildcats 7-6 over the next five minutes.

Linfield's 12-7 margin expanded to a 17-point lead after the Wildcats went on a 17-5 run that included three 3-points baskets. Jones hit two of the 3-pointers

The Bearcats pulled within 36-26 after Zennan sank a 3-point shot with 1:39 remaining in the half. Linfield closed the period with a 9-0 run that started with a 3-pointer by Pringle.

Willamette connected on just 20 of 72 field goals (27.8%) during the game and went 14 of 25 (56.0%) at the free throw line. The Bearcats achieved a 46-42 rebounding lead and committed 18 turnovers, while forcing the Wildcats to lose the ball 17 times.

Linfield was 9 of 18 on 3-pointers. Willamette converted just four 3-pointers on 24 attempts.

WU will return to action on Friday, Jan. 14 at Cone Field House with an NWC game against Whitman College. Game time is slated for 6 p.m. (PST).