Lady Wolves Struggle Against Pioneers

11/25/2016 7:38:00 PM

Box Score Paul Starkebaum, Sports Information Director

Portland, Ore. - Walla Walla (2-3) knew they would be playing the best team they had faced all year in the Lewis and Clark College Pioneers (3-2). But losing 34-108 was likely not what the Wolves had in mind. The Pioneers shut down the Wolves offense early and didn't let it get going until the fourth quarter. The Pioneers forced 26 TOs, and the Wolves converted only 24% of their field goals, including going 1-12 from the three-point line. The young nucleus of the Wolves will grow from games like this as they move closer to Cascade Conference play.

The first quarter saw the Pio's jump out on the Wolves 0-20 before a lay-up by Kaitlyn Friesen broke the seal for Walla Walla. Guard Sara Hogman lead the way early for the Pio's as she scored 10 of her 15 points in the first half. As a team the Pio's started out 6 of 12 from the three-point line, something that the Wolves were not able to answer, as they went 0-5 from the three-point line in the first half. On the bright side for the Wolves, even though they did turn the ball over, they did create shots. It just the lack of converting those attempts that hurt them in the end. At halftime, the Wolves found themselves down 14-59.

The third quarter opened with a big run by the Pio's, who grabbed several offensive rebounds and created turnovers that attributed to the run. Despite struggle to score the Wolves remained resilient throughout the game. Morgan Stanyer hit a jumper late in the third, and Walla Walla went into the fourth quarter down 18-89.

A 16-point effort in the fourth was the highlight of the game of the Wolves. Sierra Briggs open the quarter with a three, and a number of Wolves chipped in buckets in the fourth, led by Alyssa Blankenship, who finished as the leading scorer for the Wolves with 13 points. Emily Downs scored the last bucket of the game, with 15 seconds to go, in Walla Walla's third loss of the season. The Pio's had six players finish in double figures, with Rachel Cox and Alyx Crager contributing 17 apiece as the scoring leaders for the game.

The Wolves play again tomorrow night, taking on the Bearcats of Willamette University at 6:30 p.m.

Print Friendly Version