The Pioneer women stole the show on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Whitman Missionaries 52-49 at the annual Pac(k) Pamplin event.

The Pioneers had another solid first half, as they dominated the Missionaries on both ends of the floor. L&C was relentless on defense, grabbing every loose ball and pressuring the Missionaries into nine first half turnovers. On offense, the Pioneers continued their shooting success from the night previous, going 11-27 from the floor. Talerra Rich (jr., Los Alamos, NM) led the way, scoring 14 of the Pioneers' 27 first half points, including two three pointers. The first 10 minutes was a back-and-forth battle, exchanging baskets on each side. But for the next 10 minutes, L&C would inch ahead, gaining their first 10 point lead at the 1:42 mark. The Pioneers went on to finish the half with a 12 point lead, at 27-15.

The Pioneers were able to hold on to their first half lead, despite the Missionaries' offensive play as they steadily chipped away. After narrowing the Pioneer lead to just six points with 15 minutes to go, the Missionaries experienced a five-minute dry spell, finally earning a bucket with 6:50 to go in the game. By that time, the Pioneers had extended their lead back to 10 points. The Missionaries would come within six points several times in the final minutes of play, but the desperation and determination had kicked in for the Pioneers, as they responded to every Whitman attack. With just 41 seconds remaining in the game, the Missionaries fought back to within three points, but the Pioneers would hold on for the win at 52-49, upsetting the 2nd place team in NWC standings.

Talerra Rich led the Pioneers with an impressive 8-12 shooting, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Kim Kittell (jr., Tillamook, Ore.) added 12 points in the win.

With the win the Pioneers improve to 9-8 overall and 3-5 in NWC, standing just two wins behind the second place cluster of teams at 5-3 in NWC. L&C remains in contention for post season play. They will return to play next Friday, January 30, when they host the Puget Sound Loggers at 6 pm.