By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer
KIRKLAND – The Pacific Lutheran women's basketball team opened up a stretch of seven consecutive non-conference games Friday night with a 62-48 loss to Northwest.
Pacific Lutheran trailed by only two points at halftime, but Northwest limited the Lutes to 20.8 percent shooting in the second half (5-of-24) to allow the Eagles to pull away. The loss dropped the Lutes overall record to 2-3, while Northwest improved to 6-6.
"These nonconference games are very valuable for us," PLU head coach Jennifer Childress said. "We will get back to work tomorrow on the needed improvements Northwest exposed for us in tonight's game."
Megan Abdo kicked things off quickly for the Lutes, scoring on a layup and converting an and-one free throw following a foul to put the team up 3-2. Northwest responded with a run to claim a 14-6 lead midway through the first period, before a three-pointer by Abdo stopped the run and helped the Lutes finish out the opening quarter within four at 18-14.
Samantha Kelleigh and Sarah Barnes each hit three-pointers early in the second quarter as part of a PLU run that tied the score at 22-22. Both players made another three-pointer later in the period as the Lutes held a one-point lead before a Northwest three gave the Eagles a 30-28 advantage heading into halftime.
"Sarah Barnes came off the bench and provided some great offense," Childress said. "Samantha Kelleigh was able to connect deep to keep the game close for three quarters."
Northwest slowly began to distance itself in the third quarter, although the Lutes kept firing back to stay close. Two more three-pointers by Kelleigh in the period helped PLU keet track with the Eagles before Charmaine Bradford closed the quarter with a jumper to put Northwest up 48-40 going into the fourth.
The Lutes' comeback efforts ran out of momentum in the fourth quarter. After an early three from Northwest put the hosts up by double digits, the Lutes pulled back within nine on two occasions before the Eagles closed out the nonconference win. Despite the 27.3 overall shooting percentage for PLU (15-of-55), Kelliegh finished the night with 16 points on five made three-pointers, while Abdo and Barnes each scored 10 for the Lutes.
"High turnovers, poor shot selection and losing our composure really cost us tonight," Childress said. "We played right into their game plan. Without taking anything away from Northwest, we just did not play Lute basketball."
The Lutes don't have to wait long for a chance to bounce back, as they'll return home to host Evergreen at 2 p.m. Sunday at Names Family Court.
