BOX SCORE

SALEM, Ore., - Margaret Dowling and Christina Herring each scored 16 points to lead the Lewis & Clark women's basketball team to a 68-59 victory over Northwest Conference opponent Willamette on Saturday night. Dowling led all players in rebounds, grabbing 11 boards. The win gives the Pioneers their second consecutive win, improving their record to 11-12 overall and 5-9 in the NWC. Willamette falls to 4-16 on the season, 3-11 NWC.

The Pioneers held Willamette to .346 (18-52) shooting from the floor and just .238 (5-21) from behind the 3-point arc. Lewis & Clark finished shooting .421 (24-57) from field goal range and .313 (5-16) from 3-point range.

Willamette grabbed the lead shortly after the tip, holding on for the first half of the first period of action, before the Pioneers took over with 10:25 remaining. Neva Hauser gave the Pioneers their first lead of the game after laying one up with a Dowling assist. The Pioneers would hold onto the lead for the remainder of the half, taking a four point lead into the locker room.

Willamette would try to fight their way back into the game in the second half, but would not be able to get many of their shots fall, while the Pioneers could not miss. The Pioneers would never relinquish possession of the scoreboard in the second half, running up to a 14 point lead with 4:17 left in the game. Willamette would continue to battle, shaving points here and there but it would not be enough to pull out a win.

Megan Spence turned in another solid night for the Pioneers, putting up 14 points, while grabbing five boards and three steals. Alex Zennan and Molly Fillion each recorded 16 points for Willamette, while Mya McFaddin grabbed five rebounds.

The Pioneers return to action on Feb. 20 as they take on Whitman at 6 p.m. in Walla Walla.