McMINNVILLE, Ore. — In a game that included 11 ties and eight lead changes, the Linfield Wildcats held of the Whittier Poets 67-63 Monday night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
The game – the Wildcats' third in three days – was tied at 40 at intermission. Linfield pulled away from Whittier in the third quarter, taking their largest lead of the period of nine points on a basket by Genna Hughes with 2:21 left. The Wildcats extended their advantage to as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, then staved off a late push by the Poets to secure the victory in their home opener.
 
Molly Danielson turned in a strong performance, scoring 25 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists.
 
Kory Oleson and Audrey McMillian also scored in the double figures for the 'Cats. Oleson, a transfer from Western Oregon, had 12 points and four rebounds, while McMillian contributed 10 points and six rebounds.
 
Also aiding the Wildcats' cause was Paige Graham, who scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds. Erin Burns delivered four assists and grabbed two rebounds. Hanna Bingham came off the bench for four points and two rebounds.
 
As a team, the Wildcats shot 48.8 percent from the field. The Linfield bench accounted for 20 points.
 
Mia Maglinte scored a game-high 35 points to lead Whittier. Despite attempting 20 more shots than the Wildcats, the Poets only shot 36.5 percent from the field. Cali Cubel scored 10 points and snagged five rebounds. Teani White added five points, three rebounds and two assists, and Jazmyn Sudbrook-John recorded four points and four rebounds.
 
The victory raised the Wildcats' season record to 2-1. The Poets remained winless at 0-3.
 
Coming up
The Wildcats return to action Wednesday against Southern Oregon at Ted Wilson Gymnasium at 5:30 p.m.