PUYALLUP, WASH. – The Linfield Wildcats (9-9) traveled to Washington to take on Pacific Lutheran (11-6) in the Oleson Gymnasium on January 26^th. When the Lutes traveled to McMinnville, they were able to pick up the win, however this time around the 'Cats came out on top, 80-74.
 
'Cat stats
All eight of the Wildcats were able to get on the board against the Lutes. With her fourth double-double of the season Kory Oleson lead the way with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Freshmen Maggie Smith and Morgan Croxford each had career nights as Smith scored 14 and Corxford had 11. Molly Danielson in limited minutes still managed double digits with 12 points. The Wildcats shot 42.1% from the three-point line and pulled down a high 33 defensive rebounds. Linfield managed to have the lead 69% of the game.
 
Lutes stats
Pacific Lutheran was led by Katie Taylor who had a game high of 25 points. Salisbury was also about to get in the double digits as she added 20 points for Pacific Lutheran.  The Lutes shot 39% from the field and 35% from behind the arc.
 
1st Half
Pacific Lutheran won the opening tip and drained a three on their first possession, however on Wildcats countered as Danielson scored on Linfield's first opportunity. The 'Cats went on an eight-point run to close out the first period and extend their lead to seven points. Linfield and Pacific Lutheran went point-for-point till the 'Cats went on a six-point run with a little over six minutes left in the second quarter. However, an eight-point run but the Lutes brought them within two points with just a minute left in the first half. The Lutes were able to tie the game up as Hurd converted on a three -point play to end the half 36-36.
 
2nd Half
Both teams came out ready to play to start the third quarter as they went point-for-point all the way to just under three minutes left to play in the quarter when Cassidy Schutz knocked down a three then Croxford added two with a jumper. Smith extended the Wildcats lead to four points by knocking down a three to close out the period. The Lutes were resilient and stayed in the game till Wildcats went on a nine-point run to increase their lead to eight points.
 
Next.
Linfield will be back in action on Friday, February 1^st as the 'Cats travel to Puget Sound for a 6:00 p.m. tipoff, then will be home on the 2^nd to take on the Bearcats of Willamette at 4:00 p.m.