COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. — Walla Walla University took on the Diggers of Montana Tech Sunday afternoon, where it was a fight to the finish. Montana Tech took the win, 69 to 63, giving Walla Walla their first loss of the season. 

Walla Walla came out strong in the first half, with Jaliyah Casem sinking a three within the first 20 seconds of the game. The Wolves continued to sink their shots, out-scoring the Diggers, 18 to 10 in the first quarter and taking a 7 point lead to end the first half. The second half was not in the Wolves favor as the Diggers came out playing a much faster and more aggressive game—putting on a much tougher defense that the Wolves struggled to get through. Their fast paced offense and pressure defense is what ultimately led to their win as they outscored the Wolves, 21 to 14 in the third and 20 to 14 in the fourth. 

Chariah Daniels led the Wolves with 20 points, followed by Jaliyah Casem who had 13. Freshman, newcomer, Natalee Trevino had a fantastic game, with 11 points and nine rebounds—only one shy of earning her first double-double. Jaliyah Casem led with five assists for the afternoon.

For Montana Tech, Liv Wangerin scored 22 points of the 69 for the Diggers, followed by Ally Cleverly with 18 points. Aubrie Rademacher had a double-double for the afternoon with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Wolves play next on November 16 where they will go up against Whitworth in Spokane, Washington at 6 pm.