Complete Box Score and Play by Play

PORTLAND, Ore. -- (From Melissa Dudek, L&C SID) Lewis & Clark kept its post-season hopes alive with a 48-39 victory over WhitworthSaturday afternoon, creating a four-way tie for third place in the Northwest Conference standings.

The Pioneers jumped out to an early lead, extending it to a 10 point advantage, 17-7, on a jump shot by Shawna Castle midway through the first half. Despite not making another field goal until six minutes lates, the Pioneer defense held the Pirates at bay. Whitworth trimmed the lead to four, 23-19, right before the end of the half on a three-pointer by Holly Ridings.

A 5-0 Whitworth run deep into the second half, capped by a Meghan Beauchamp Layup, narrowed the Pioneer lead to 41-36 with a minute and a half to play. The Pioneers, helped by a timely Crystal Castle steal and a Kim Kittell layup secured the 48-39 victory.

The Pioneers were led once again by Crystal Castle. Castle scored 13 points with 15 rebounds, a new career-high and the highest rebound total by a Pioneer this season. Amy Ridings led the Pirates with 16 points. Emily Hendrickson had 10 rebounds to lead their defensive efforts.

Whitworth struggled from the field all night, shooting only 25.4% (15-59). The Pirates got the the free throw line only five times, making three. L&C hit 35% of its shots from the field (19-55).

Both teams now hold a 7-5 mark in the Northwest Conference and tied for third with George Fox and Whitman. Whitworth is 13-7 overall, while L&C is 11-9. The Pioneers broke a nine-game losing streak to the Pirates.

The Pioneers play next Friday at George Fox, while Whitworth hosts first place Puget Sound.