TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team was unable to complete the monumental task of knocking off Northwest Conference leading Linfield University on Saturday afternoon, falling 59-37 to cap off the Lutes' two-game homestand inside Olson Gymnasium.
 
"We knew today would be a challenge taking on this team shorthanded," said Head Coach Lee Aduddell who had two usual starters unavailable to start the game.
 
"I'm proud of our fight and thought our first-years gave us some good minutes in unfamiliar roles."

The visiting Wildcats (13-2, 6-0 NWC) led wire-to-wire in the Saturday matinee, draining a three to open the game and scoring nine of the first 11 points. A Ghadir Ramadan jumper with 3:24 left in the first pulled the Lutes within four but Linfield scored seven of the final nine of the quarter, owning a 20-11 edge after 10 minutes of play. 
 
A Kate Wooten three to open the second pulled the Lutes within six but the Wildcats punched back with seven straight and led by double digits the rest of the game.

Ramadan led the Lutes (1-14, 0-6 NWC) with eight points and eight rebounds while Sydney Reisner tallied seven points. Kate Wooten contributed six points and five boards, going a perfect two-for-two from beyond the arc.
 
"We're excited to go on the road and continue to compete and improve."
 
PLU limited Linfield to shooting just 31.1 percent (23-for-74) from the floor but was outmuscled on the glass with the league leaders enjoying a 57-31 rebounding edge.
 
The Lutes hit the road next weekend, beginning a five game road swing on Friday in Walla Walla, Washington against Whitman College. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.