TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team will be heading across the Cascades this weekend for Northwest Conference showdowns with 24^th-ranked Whitman College and Whitworth University.
 
The Lutes (11-3, 4-2 NWC) are coming off of a weekend sweep, picking up wins against Lewis & Clark College and Pacific University. The team had a dominant performance against the Pios winning 59-35. Anna Hurd led the scoring charge with 14 points. The Lutes took down Pacific 66-59. Sophomore Madison Salisbury picked up 21 points. Junior Emma Janousek was two rebounds away from a triple double with 10 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. 
 
"Last weekend's games were both great team wins for us. Lewis & Clark and Pacific were two close games last season, and to win both this year is a great example of our strength in conference!" said sophomore Hailey Marsh. "Coming off of two conference wins has given us confidence and drive for this upcoming weekend. Whitworth and Whitman are a really great challenge for us, and we are preparing to put up a good fight this weekend. We are taking the positives and lessons from last weekend into this week's practice and improving as a team!"
 
With a successful weekend in the books, the team shifts their focus to this weekend.
 
"The Whits road trip is definitely the most difficult one for us throughout conference" said Marsh. "The day we leave is always crazy! We have morning practice, class, and then load the bus with the men in the afternoon, hoping we can make it over the pass. Since the bus ride is so long we watch a lot of movies and hang out as a team. But ultimately we mean business on the road, so once we get to Walla Walla and Spokane we have scout, watch film, and have shooting practice before the game. Road trips are hectic but so much fun! I really enjoy the quality time the team gets to spend together and the memories we make on road trips!"
 
Along with enjoying the NWC road trips, Marsh has enjoyed the team chemistry and overall work ethic of the squad.
 
"The most enjoyable part of playing on this year's team is the selflessness and drive of every single teammate. I have never been on a team that is so selfless, hard working, caring, and competitive as this one! The quality of women we have on our team and the connections between each and every person on and off the court are what make this team so special. My teammates are my role models and I'm so thankful for these women."
 
The Lutes will be in Walla Walla on Friday with tip off happening at 6 pm. On Saturday the Lutes will head up to Spokane to take on Whitworth at 4pm. 
 
Jan. 18: PLU vs. Whitman in Walla Walla, Wash. (6 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Blues have met 72 times since the 1980-1981 season with the Blues holding a 41-31 advantage in the all-time series. 
 
About the Blues: 24^th-ranked Whitman (12-3, 6-0 NWC) heads into the weekend riding a six-game win streak and sits perched atop the conference standings. The Blues last setback was an 80-63 decision against undefeated and second-ranked Thomas More College back on Dec. 8. 
 
Since then, Whitman has ripped off non-conference wins at the expense of Williams College (64-59) and University of Northwestern (73-63) while netting NWC wins over Lewis & Clark (77-46), Whitworth (91-86), Linfield College (73-50), and George Fox (73-54).
 
Makana Stone is the engine that powers the Blues, leading the team in scoring (16.3 points per game), rebounding (9.1 per game), steals (20), and blocks (17). Mady Burdett adds 14.2 ppg while Kaylie McCracken contributes 9.8 ppg.
 
Jan. 19: PLU vs. Whitworth in Spokane, Wash. (4 p.m.)
 
Series History: PLU and Whitworth have battled 70 times on the hardwood with the Pirates holding a slim 37-33 edge in the series. 
 
About the Pirates: Whitworth (8-7, 3-3 NWC) heads into Friday's game against University of Puget Sound looking to snap a three-game slide. The Pirates opened the New Year with a 78-69 win over Lewis & Clark but have come up empty handed since, dropping contests to Whitman (91-86), George Fox (78-57), and Linfield (85-81).
 
Camy Aguinaldo is the Pirates top scorer, averaging 13.3 points per game while Megan Dorney contributes 9.2 ppg and 5.6 rebounds per game.