FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Linfield opened its Northwest Conference season with a commanding 73-54 victory over Pacific University on Friday night at the Stoller Center. With the win, the Wildcats extend their best start in program history to 10-0 overall and 1-0 in NWC play.
Linfield controlled the game from the outset, taking a 47-26 lead into the halftime break. The Wildcats maintained their dominance throughout the second half, with a well-rounded team effort leading them to victory.
Gillyan Landis was the star of the night for Linfield, recording 21 points and eight rebounds while also anchoring the paint with four blocks. She was efficient from the field, making 8-of-11 shots, including sinking her only three-point attempt. Landis also went 4-of-5 from the free-throw line, furthering her efficiency on the night.
Miki Vermeulen was instrumental in the victory as well, contributing 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. She was 7-of-11 from the field and didn't miss from the charity stripe, sinking all three attempts.
Allie Mead added 11 points, three rebounds, and four steals, solidifying Linfield's defensive presence.
The Wildcats' defense was impressive, as they held Pacific to just 54 points on 22-of-69 shooting. Linfield also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Boxers 41-30. The Wildcats' eight blocks and six steals helped stifle Pacific's offensive flow and limit second-chance opportunities.
Eve Burke had a quiet scoring night with two points, but showed versatility with three rebounds and five assists.
Tana Hoekema continued her impressive freshman season with eight points off the bench on 3-of-5 shooting.
Linfield's offense was well-balanced, scoring 50 points in the paint and 19 points off the bench, with solid contributions from both starters and reserves.
Pacific was led by Lindsay Barden, who scored nine points and grabbed four rebounds. Jasmine Olivar contributed seven points and two rebounds, while Shaade Williams added six points and two rebounds. The Boxers struggled with shooting, making just 5-of-18 attempts from behind the arc.
NEXT
Linfield turns its attention to George Fox who visits Ted Wilson Gymnasium Saturday night at 6 p.m. in another NWC showdown.