McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Linfield capped its regular season with a decisive 67-51 victory over Whitworth on senior night at an energetic Ted Wilson Gymnasium. The Wildcats honored senior forward
Gillyan Landis, who delivered a memorable performance in her final home regular-season game, tallying a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
With the win, Linfield secured the fourth seed in the Northwest Conference Tournament and tied the program record for most wins in a single season at 19, matching the mark set during the 1979-80 campaign. The Wildcats will face top-seeded Whitman on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m.
"This was a big win for our program," said head coach
Casey Bunn-Wilson. "To be able to battle like we did last night vs Whitman and then come in tonight and have the energy they did and the bench contributing like they did- was good to see. There's a lot of growth still happening and we are excited for the opportunity to keep playing."
Linfield took command early, outscoring Whitworth 16-8 in the first quarter.
Eve Burke led the Wildcats' offense, scoring seven of her game-high 17 points in the opening frame. Landis was a force on the boards, grabbing four offensive rebounds in the first half to give the Wildcats extra opportunities.
The Wildcats extended their lead to 33-18 at halftime. Linfield's defense was lights out, holding Whitworth to 26.67% shooting in the first quarter and 29.41% in the second.
The third quarter proved decisive, as Linfield outscored Whitworth 27-14. Landis hit a crucial three-pointer to ignite a 12-2 run midway through the period.
Amelia Solt provided steady backcourt leadership with four assists and four steals.
Allie Mead dished out a team-high six assists, helping Linfield build a commanding 60-32 lead by the end of the third quarter which then finished at 67-51 by the end of the contest.
The victory marked a fitting end to a great career for Landis, who led Linfield in rebounding and provided crucial leadership throughout the season.
NEXT
Linfield now turns its focus to the postseason. The Wildcats will travel to Walla Walla, Washington to face Whitman, the conference's top seed, in the NWC Tournament semifinal. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Feb. 28.