BOX SCORE

PARKLAND, Wash. – The Lewis & Clark women's basketball team kept its Northwest Conference unbeaten streak alive on Saturday night, taking down the Pacific Lutheran Lutes 74-62 at the Olson Auditorium. Christina Herring, Kristina Williams and Margaret Dowling paced the way for the Pioneers, all posting a game-high 16 points in the contest.

With the win the Pios improve to 10-3 on the season and a perfect 4-0 in conference play, while the Lutes slip to 3-10 overall and 1-3 in the NWC.

The Lutes struck quickly in the first half, with Meghan Dowling laying one in just 10 seconds into the period. The early 2-0 lead was shot lived, as the Pioneers went on an 11-2 run over the next five minutes, taking an 11-4 lead with 14:26 on the clock. Melissa Pixer pulled PLU within three points with 12:36 remaining, but the Pioneer offense put on the jets to take a 24-10 lead two minutes later. The Pioneer offense kept the Lutes from getting too close to them the remainder of the half, as the Pios took a 37-28 advantage into the half.

In the second half, Sara Backstrom cut the Pioneer lead to 42-41with 16:52 remaining in the contest. Herring put the Pioneer lead back at nine with a layup in the paint at the 6:41 marker. The Pioneers would remain in control of the contest the rest of the way, with the team closing out the game with back-to-back made free throws from Dowling, handing them the 74-62 victory.

Dowling finished her night a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe, while Williams was 11-of-14. Dowling and Neva Hauser led the team in rebounds, both grabbing six boards.

Tracy Goehri led the Lutes with 14 points, while Backstrom and Jordan Westering each had 12.
The Pioneers return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 12 when they head to Salem to take on Willamette at 8 p.m.