TACOMA, Wash. — Linfield struggled to find its footing in the second-half, falling to Puget Sound, 64-57, in a Northwest Conference game Saturday night at Memorial Fieldhouse.
The Wildcats (11-2, 2-2 NWC) started strong, leading by four after a three pointer from
Amelia Solt ended the first quarter, but struggled to maintain that momentum through the second half. Despite a 20-point fourth quarter, Linfield could not overcome Puget Sound's balanced offense that put up 21 points in the final period.
Amelia Solt led Linfield with 16 points, making 4-of-7 three-point attempts. Solt also contributed a rebound and two steals in 30 minutes of play.
Eve Burke added 13 points while grabbing eight rebounds and blocking two shots.
Allie Mead chipped in with nine points, four assists, and three rebounds in 37 minutes of action.
Miki Vermeulen contributed eight points, pulling down three rebounds and dishing out an assist.
Puget Sound (4-9, 3-1 NWC) was led by Emme Eisenman, who scored 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting, while adding five rebounds and three steals. Addison Reardon added 10 points, including two three-pointers, and contributed three rebounds and an assist.
The game was tight throughout, with the lead changing hands five times and the score tied 10 times. Linfield shot 40.8% (20-of-49) from the field but struggled from three-point range, making just 5-of-16 attempts (31.3%).
Linfield's struggles were compounded by turnovers, as it committed 17 and allowed 19 points off turnovers from the Loggers. Ultimately, the Wildcats were unable overcome Puget Sound's efficient offense and defense. The Loggers capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 10 points off offensive rebounds.
Linfield's defense played well and forced 18 Puget Sound turnovers, but struggled to capitalize on the solid defense, scoring just seven points off those turnovers.
NEXT
The Wildcats look to bounce back when they face Lewis & Clark on Friday at 8 p.m. in Ted Wilson Gymnasium.