The Pioneer women were edged by the Pacific Lutheran Lutes 56-41 on Saturday, January 31 at Pamplin Sports Center (boxscore). The Pioneers entered the contest trailing the Lutes in conference play by just one victory in seventh place.

In the first half, the Pioneers were led by the strong offensive play of their posts in the paint, accounting for 15 of L&C's 20 first half points. After an evenly played first seven minutes, the Lutes pulled away for the next seven minutes, outscoring the Pioneers 17-12. As the Lutes found success from the floor, shooting 44.0%, the Pioneers shot just 31.8%. But, with two minutes to go in the half, the Pioneers found a spark of energy, cutting the Lute lead to just six on their renewed shooting. The Pioneers entered halftime trailing by six at 26-20.

The Pioneers shot even with the Lutes in the first 13 minutes of the second half, as the Lutes maintained their six point lead. With just over seven minutes to go in the half, Christina Herring drove to the basket, getting fouled on the made basket. After making her free throw, the Pioneers trailed by just five points. At the 4:29 mark the Lutes took their biggest lead of the game pulling ahead by 13 points. The Lutes went on to earn the win at 56-41.

The Pioneers were led by Kelly Vega (jr., Beaverton, Ore.) with 10 points, going 2-3 from the floor and 6-8 from the line.

With the loss the Pioneers fall to 3-7 in NWC and 9-10 overall. They will return to action on Friday, February 6, when they travel to Newberg, Ore. to take on the first place George Fox Bruins. Tip off of that game is at 6 pm.