By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer

SPOKANE – The Pacific Lutheran women's basketball team began its eastern Washington road trip with a tough Northwest Conference loss to Whitworth Friday night as the Pirates defeated the Lutes 66-39 at Whitworth Fieldhouse.

"Our first half defense was solid; Whitworth made some impressive shots," PLU head coach Jennifer Childress said. "Not taking care of the ball and crashing the boards made it tough for us to score."

Both teams got off to a slow start offensively, as they combined for only six points midway through the opening quarter. Whitworth scored all six of those to take the early lead before the Lutes pulled within one on a jumper by Sarah Barnes and a three-pointer by Samantha Kelleigh. The Pirates took an 11-7 lead into the second quarter.

Both teams traded three-pointers to start the second, and the Lutes scored two buckets shortly after to tie the game at 14-14. Whitworth regained the lead on an 8-0 run, and the Pirates slowly stretched the lead from there to take a 29-18 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams firing back and forth in the first few minutes, but the Pirates took control midway through. Despite the Lutes having their most productive offensive quarter of the game, with 14 points and just one turnover, the Pirates took a 53-32 lead into the final quarter and closed out the 66-39 win.

"In the second half our defensive intensity dropped," Childress said. "Whitworth took full advantage attacking the basket."

Ionna Price led PLU with nine points and six rebounds in only 15 minutes of court time, while Barnes and Kelleigh each scored eight points for the Lutes. Faith Emerson led Whitworth with 18 points and nine rebounds.

The Lutes take on Whitman Saturday at 4 p.m. in Walla Walla before returning to Tacoma to open the second half of their conference schedule Tuesday at Puget Sound.

"Tomorrow we will approach the game with a new urgency on both halves of the court."