TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team trailed by a single point midway through the fourth quarter but was unable to pull off the Senior Day upset, falling 73-62 to 25th-ranked Whitman College in a Northwest Conference clash on Saturday afternoon inside Olson Gymnasium.

"One thing you can count on is this team will battle to the end!" said Head Coach Jennifer Childress. "Even after last night's emotional overtime loss, our team showed up fighting. That's the culture these seniors have inspired through their leadership. This has been a season to celebrate with our seniors and a great springboard for next year. We were on the brink of the postseason and we now know what it will take to advance next season."

A three-pointer from Kristin Sturdivan followed by an Emma Janousek layup, pulled the Lutes' (14-10, 7-9 NWC) within one at 53-52 with 6:44 remaining in the game. The nationally-ranked Blues (19-6, 13-3 NWC) responded with seven of the next nine points, part of a larger 20-7 run to turn a one-point lead into a 14-point buffer on their way to the win in the regular season finale. 

The opening six minutes saw three ties, including at 9-9 on a jumper from MacKenzie Cooper with 4:13 remaining. Whitman surged ahead by six but was quickly reigned in, owning just a 19-16 lead after one quarter of play. The Blues surged ahead by 12 midway through the second period before the Lutes battled back, pulling within four on a Kylie Rademacher layup and trailed 37-28 at the halftime intermission.

The third quarter saw the Lutes outscore the Blues 16-14, including pulling within a single point with 1:35 left on an Anna Hurd jumper.

Janousek paced the Lutes with 15 points, four assists, and four steals while Madison Salisbury came off the bench and added 11. Hurd hauled in nine points and a game-high seven rebounds while Cooper chipped in eight.

The Lute bench outscored the Whitman reserves 25-9 while enjoying a 21-13 advantage in points off turnovers. 

Saturday's game was Senior Day with Lauren Furu, MacKenzie Cooper, Anna Hurd, and Kristin Sturdivan all playing their final game in a Lute uniform. 

"I have so much gratitude for these four young women and the impact they have had on our program during their four years. Through all the challenges involved with rebuilding a program, these women have dedicated themselves to creating a culture built on relentless hard work, perseverance, and complete unselfishness. They are the foundation to the new era of Lute basketball." 

The Lutes 14 wins in 2018-2019 was the most for the program since the 2008-2009 campaign.