The Pioneer women's basketball team finished off their weekend with a 53-45 (box score) victory over the visiting Linfield Wildcats. Allison Farr scored 16 points to lead the Pioneers.

Linfield struck first, scoring the first basket of the game two minutes into the contest on a layup by Casey Stepan. The Pioneers took their first lead of the game, 9-8, on a three-pointer by Kim Kittell (sophomore, Tillamook, Ore.) with 14 minutes left in the first half. Linfield briefly retook the lead, 14-13, four minutes later, on a layup by Sarah Amina. The Pioneers took back the lead less than a minute later on freethrows by Crystal Castle (senior, Rocklin, Calif.), and never trailed again in the half, leading 32-27 at the break.

The Pioneers' five-point halftime lead was whittled to just two on a three-pointer to start the half by Casey Stepan. Linfield took a one point lead, 33-32, with 17 minutes left in the game on a pair of Courtney McFadden freethrows. Kim Kittell answered with a layup, putting the Pioneers back up for good.

The Wildcats got to within three, 44-41, on another pair of McFadden freethrows, but the Pioneers, helped by six points from Allison Farr (senior, Lakeport, Calif.) and a strong defensive stand, extended the lead out to eight, 53-45, with just over two minutes remaining. They held on for the 53-45 victory.

For the Wildcats, Casey Stepan led the offense with 14 points. Courtney McFadden had 11 points and nine rebounds.

For the Pioneers, Allison Farr had a game-high 16 points. Farr had six rebounds, three blocks, and three assists. Kim Kittell had 15 points, four rebounds, six assists, with four steals.

With the victory, the Pioneers improve to 8-9, 4-4 NWC. The Wildcats fall to 9-8, 2-6 NWC.

The Pioneers are back in action on the home court next Tuesday, January 29th, when they begin their second trip through the NWC schedule, hosting the Pacific Boxers. Live play-by-play will be available on sportsjuice.com. Tip off is at 6pm.