WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team was unable to dig out of an early hole on Sunday against nationally-ranked Whitman College, falling to the Northwest Conference rivals 60-42 inside the Sherwood Center.

"Today was a great opportunity to measure ourselves against a nationally-ranked team. Our poor shooting was in large part due to their great defense," said Head Coach Lee Aduddell.

The 21st-ranked Blues (14-3, 6-2 NWC) tallied the opening 11 points of the game and led wire-to-wire against the Lutes (9-8, 1-7 NWC).  

PLU was able to cut the gap to just five points on several occasions, including on a Brandie Tobin free throw with 50 seconds left in the first half but was unable to come any closer. PLU outscored Whitman 14-13 in the second quarter and trailed the Blues 26-19 at the halftime break. Whitman enjoyed at least a seven point cushion the entire second half.

Ashley Akamine finished with 12 points and eight rebounds to lead the Lutes while Sydney Reisner added 10 points. Tobin notched five points, five rebounds, and a team-best four assists.

"We've learned a lot about ourselves in this first round of conference. We aren't where we want to be in the conference race but we're determined to continue to grow and get better every day."

The Lutes are back on the hardwood on Wednesday night, hosting the University of Puget Sound at 6 p.m. inside Olson Gymnasium.