The Pioneer women fell to the Whitworth Pirates 65-61 in the final minute of play on Friday, January 23, at Pamplin Sports Center (boxscore). After maintaining a five point lead for nearly the entire first half, the Pirates came out hot in the final 20 minutes of play to overtake the Pioneers.

The first half belonged to the Pioneers, as they took control of the game early, sending a message to the visiting Pirates who entered the match-up in 3rd place in NWC standings. The Pioneers' defensive pressure allowed only 22 Pirate points, as they shot just 24.0% from the floor. The Pioneers jumped ahead 14-7 in the first eight minutes of play, but late in the half, the Pirates would rally their way back to a 16-13 game. It was the standout performance of freshman Megan Spence that would shut down the Pirates, as she contributed nine points in the final six minutes of the half. The Pioneers went on to keep their five point lead, finishing the half at 27-22.

The next 19 minutes of play would again be controlled by the Pioneers as they shot an impressive 56.5% from the floor. But the spectacular play of Whitworth guard Alida Bower caused some problems for the Pioneer defense, as the Pirates pulled ahead midway through the half. Bower went 7-12 from the three point line and scored 25 second half points, single handedly keeping Whitworth afloat. With just nine minutes to go, the Pirates had earned their largest lead of the game at 48-39, but their lead would not stick. Guard Christina Herring would do the work this time, driving to the hoop and leading a Pioneer attack that would bring the Pioneers to within two points. With just 3:22 to go, Margaret Dowling received a long pass on the press break, as she went in to finish for a 3-point play after being fouled on the make. The score was tied at 57-57, and the next three minutes consisted of lead changes and clutch shots as both teams desperately tried to hold on for the win. With just 57 seconds remaining, Kim Kittell drove to the rim and laid it in to tie the score again at 61-61. But with 0:25 on the clock, the Pirates scored a lay-up that would send them ahead by two. After the Pioneers fouled in the backcourt, the Pirates put away two free throws to close the deal. The Pirates held on for the win at 65-61.

Margaret Dowling led the Pioneers with 15 points and a game high 10 rebounds. Christina Herring also made her presence known on the floor, scoring 13 points and adding eight assists for the Pioneer offense.

With the loss, the Pioneers fall to 8-8 overall and 2-5 in NWC play. They will return to action Saturday night, January 24, for the annual Pac(k) Pamplin event when they host the Whitman Missionaries. Tip off is set for 4 pm.