TACOMA, Wash. - The red-hot Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team is making its return to Olson Gymnasium Friday night. The Lutes will be taking on ninth-ranked George Fox University on Friday before hosting Willamette University on Saturday.

The Lutes (8-2, 1-1 Northwest Conference) are returning from a triumphant trip to Puerto Rico where the team captured two wins, extending the team's win streak to seven games. The first win came against the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico by a score of 63-46. Madison Salisbury was the leading scorer, putting up 27 points against the Tigers. The second win came against the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez by a score of 55-51. Emma Janousek had a nice game, putting up a team high 16 points, against arguably the best team in Puerto Rico.

"One amazing takeaway was being able to give back to their community. A lot of Rincon was significantly damaged by the hurricane and we were able to help rebuild in a way we connected with. We worked on a damaged basketball court in a low income neighborhood where all the kids played most days. We were able to paint new lines on the court for them and to design a new center Court for them. It was very rewarding and a memorable experience. Another takeaway was being able to play Puerto Rican teams and a slightly different style of basketball. It was good for us to have to fight through the adversity and made us stronger as a team," said Anna Hurd.

"Lastly, we were able to spend a day at natural springs hiking through the jungle and it was a great team bonding activity. We were able to jump off rocks, climb behind waterfalls, and even rope swing into the natural pools. It will definitely be a trip to remember."

The Lutes bring loads of momentum to the conference only part of the schedule. Madison Salisbury has been the prominent scoring threat for the team, averaging 17 points per game. She has also been the leading rebounder as the six-footer is averaging 9.8 rebounds per game. First-year Katie Taylor has been red hot from behind the arc averaging 2.2 three pointers per game. Guard Emma Janousek,has been spreading the love for the Lutes, dishing out 6.2 assists per game.

"We're very excited to start the majority of conference play" said Hurd, "We've been working hard and are prepared to tackle conference now. Our team has improved so much in my four years of being at PLU and I can't wait to start conference play and for our hard work to pay off."

"I enjoy the environment of our team very much. Everyone is fully bought into the 'we before me' which gives practice and games a positive and encouraging atmosphere. We're all so close on and off the court that it makes going to practice and traveling together all the more fun. I wouldn't trade these women for anything"

Jan. 4: PLU vs. George Fox at Olson Gymnasium (6 p.m.)

Series History: This Lutes and Bruins have met 54 times since the 1980-1981 season with the series tilted 37-17 in favor of George Fox.
 
About the Bruins: Ninth-ranked George Fox (9-2, 2-0 NWC) saw its seven game win streak come to a halt on Sunday, getting upended 65-64 at home against Bethel University (Minn.). 
 
The Bruins had a chance for the win at the buzzer but a three-pointer missed the mark in a game that saw the two teams combine for 52 turnovers. The game was the second home setback for George Fox this season as the Bruins have a perfect 6-0 record in games away from the Wheeler Sports Center.

Emily Holder is the squad's top scorer, averaging 10.4 points per game while Tavin Headings adds 9.6. Kylin Collman is good for 9.5 ppg while Emily Spencer boasts 9.1 ppg. Haylee Hutzler is the Bruins' top rebounder, hauling in 7.9 rebounds per game.

Jan. 5: PLU vs. Willamette at Olson Gymnasium (4 p.m.)

Series History: This Lutes and Bearcats have clashed 78 times on the hardwood since the 1980-81 campaign with PLU holding the upper hand with a 43-35 edge in the all-time series.
 
About the Bearcats: Willamette (5-6, 0-2 NWC) heads into the weekend riding a two-game winning streak. The Bearcats picked up a 70-66 victory over University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at the D3Hoops.com Classic in Las Vegas on Dec. 27 and scratched out a 43-41 win over Ohio Northern University the following day to finish the tournament undefeated. 
 
The victories snapped a three-game slide for Willamette which included setbacks in NWC play against Whitworth University (74-69) and Whitman College (75-33).
 
Britanny Kochenderfer is the Bearcats leading scorer, netting 13.5 points per game and a team-best 11.6 rebounds per game while Drew Farmer chips in 8.2 ppg.