TACOMA, Wash. — Sydney Reisner returned to the lineup in style on Saturday, dropping 13 points but it wasn't enough as the Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team came up short, 56-35, against Northwest Conference rival Linfield University. 
 
"Today's output on the floor is not indicative of who we want to be as a program. We have a lot of work to continue to do and won't let today's result deter our growth," said Head Coach Lee Aduddell. 
 
The opening quarter was a tight affair with the visiting Wildcats (9-12, 5-7 NWC) enjoying a four-point lead after 10 minutes of play. That lead swelled to eight early in the second quarter before the Lutes ripped off eight straight to tie the game. A Kasidy Javernick three kicked off the run that included a trio of free throws from Ashley Akamine and a tying layup from Reisner with 6:01 left before intermission. 
 
Linfield responded with 12 of the next 15 points, enjoying a 28-19 lead at the halftime break. 
 
Consecutive layups from Reisner whittled the deficit to seven in the third but that was as close as the Lutes (1-20, 1-11 NWC) would come as Linfield scored 17 of the next 19 to cruise to the win. 
 
Playing in her first game since Jan. 21, Reisner led the Lutes with 13 points and six rebounds. Emi Wada added six while Akamine and Javernick each had five points. 
 
Saturday was Senior Day with the program honoring Breeze Bartle who will graduate in December. The Hillsboro, Oregon native joined the program this fall after wrapping up the volleyball season and plans to suit up one more season for the Lute volleyball squad this fall.
 
"We're so grateful that Breeze joined our team this season. She's an incredible athlete and her ability to come in and learn our system as quickly as she did was remarkable. She has added so much to our team on and off the court."
 
PLU hits the road next week, traveling to Portland to face Lewis & Clark College on Friday at 6 p.m.