SPOKANE, Wash. - (Chris Johnson, Whitworth SID Intern) Defense was the difference Friday night as Lindfield downed Whitworth 60-47 in Northwest Conference women's action in the Whitworth Fieldhouse. Linfield held the Pirates to only 28% shooting for the game including just 10.5 % (2 of 19) from three-point range. The Wildcats also forced the Pirates into a season-high 20 turnovers and avenged a 50-45 loss to the Pirates in the teams first meeting at McMinnville.

Linfield took an early 8-2 lead on back to back three-pointers by Casey Stepan and Sara Burgoyne. The Wildcats pressure forced the Pirates into 13 first half turnovers and 33 % shooting, but Linfield failed to take advantage hitting only 32% of their own shots and led only 25-21 at the break.

Teresa Zeitler scored the first five Pirate points after the break, as Whitworth was able to cut the Wildcat lead down to 29-27. But the Pirates would get no closer than two points as Linfield's defense held the Pirates to only three field goals over the first 15 minutes of the second half and 24% shooting for the half. Linfield hit 9 of 12 free throws over the final two minutes and finished the game on a 10-4 run.

Four Wildcats scored in double figures led by Stepan who had a game high 14 points. Brihtani Lassiter poured in 14 points while Burgoyne and Porcai Jackson each had 10. Wildcat center Kate Stadeli grabbed a game high 10 boards.

Alida Bower was the only Pirate in double figures with 12 points but was able to hit only 2 of 10 from behind the arc. Susan McDaniel, who came in averaging 11.5 points per game, was held to a season low 2 points on 1 of 6 shooting.

Linfield earned its first win in Spokane since January of 2000.

Both teams are back in action Saturday night as NWC play continues. Whitworth will host George Fox who currently sits tied for first place. The Wildcats will travel to Walla Walla to play Whitman.