Olympia, Wash. – Four Pioneer players scored in double digits, as a late-game comeback attempt fell short against The Evergreen State College to open the 2022-23 season.  
 
THE BASICS
Evergreen State 75, Lewis & Clark 63 
(Lewis & Clark 0-1)
(Evergreen State 1-0)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
Juniors Karli Mukai and Jamison Richards led the scoring for Lewis & Clark College with 15 points each. Mukai added six assists and two rebounds against the Geoducks. Richards shot 50% from the field, including two from beyond the arc. Natalie Elstone and Charlotte Carroll chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. Carroll also led the team with nine rebounds on the night. Senior Kendal Jones scored eight points on 4-5 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds.
 
Heading into halftime, the Geoducks held a 38-34 advantage. After three quarters, the lead grew to 62-47. The Pioneers would not give up and mounted a comeback that ran out of time.  
 
BY THE NUMBERS

• Mukai tied her career high in assists and led the team last season with 59 assists. 
• Jones posted career highs in points, rebounds, and made field goals (4). 
• Carroll was one rebound away from her fourth career double-double. 
• Elstone registered new career bests in points, assists (2), field goals (5), and her two 3-pointers. 
• Richards scored in double-digits for the 18th time in their collegiate career. 
• Freshmen Tatiana Rebanal (two points) and Madelyn Sanchez each made their collegiate debuts in the loss. 

WHO'S NEXT
 
The Pioneers return to the hardwood when they travel to Eugene to take on Bushnell University next Wednesday at 6 p.m.