MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Lauren Buchanan poured in a career-high 19 points, while Skylar Willey recorded a double-double to lead the Linfield women's basketball team (1-0) to a 78-67 victory over Warner Pacific (0-3) in the 2026-27 season opener.Â
Linfield opened the contest with consecutive baskets from Willey before the two teams traded leads throughout the opening quarter. The Wildcats shot an impressive 66.7% from the field in the first 10 minutes, but Warner Pacific matched Linfield's offensive production to enter the second quarter tied at 23.
Warner Pacific briefly took a two-point lead early in the second quarter before Mayli Tuomisto connected from three-point range to put Linfield back in front. The Wildcats followed with a 12-0 scoring run, highlighted by five points from Buchanan and baskets from Sydney Newby and Ishibashi-To, to build a 35-25 advantage. The Knights responded with a run of their own, but Rosetti buried a three-pointer in the closing seconds to send Linfield into halftime leading 46-40.
Buchanan caught fire from beyond the arc in the third quarter, knocking down three triples to help Linfield maintain control. Freshman Makenna Te'o provided a spark off the bench, scoring six points in the final three minutes of the period, including consecutive baskets to close the quarter and give the Wildcats their largest lead of the game at 65-52.
Warner Pacific attempted to rally in the final quarter, trimming Linfield's advantage to six points with just under two minutes remaining. However, Barter answered with a three-point play before Ishibashi-To and Willey added baskets down the stretch to secure the 11-point victory.
Buchanan led the offensive charge, connecting on seven of her 12 field goal attempts, including five three-pointers on 10 attempts; helping her to career highs in points (19), rebounds (4) and threes made (5). Natalie Rosetti added 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, both career-highs, knocking down both of her attempts from beyond the arc. Willey dominated the interior, finishing with 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds while shooting 6-of-7 from the field. Willow Ishibashi-To contributed nine points, seven assists and four rebounds, all career-highs. While Madison Barter dished out four assists to go along with five points.
Te'o finished with eight points on 4-of-7 shooting in her collegiate debut, while Newby added six points and four rebounds off the bench. Linfield finished the contest shooting 54% from the field and held a 48-30 advantage in points in the paint.
With the season now tipped off, the 'Cats head to Eugene next weekend for the Bushnell Tournament next Friday and Saturday, set to square off against Corban and Bushnell.
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