BUTTE, Mont. - Facing its first live opponent in over two weeks, the Whitworth University women's basketball team struggled to find its rythm in a 79-62 loss at Montana Tech on Saturday night.

Natalie Orrell (So., F, Wenatchee, Wash.) and Alida Bower (Jr., F, Onalaska, Wash.) each scored 15 points for the Pirates (4-4). But Whitworth only shot 34.5% (19 of 55) from the floor and the Bucs were outrebounded by the Orediggers 41-26. Tiffany Corigliano (Jr., F, Nine Mile Falls, Wash.) added 12 points.

The Pirates struggled out of the gate, falling behind 9-2 and 17-9 early in the contest. But Whitworth rallied and when Corigliano drained a three-pointer the Bucs had taken a 28-27 lead late in the first half. But Montana Tech reeled off seven straight points to end the period and took a 34-28 lead into the locker room.

Bower opened the second half with a three-pointer to pull the Pirates within 34-31, but then the Orediggers took control and extended the lead to 45-34 over the next five minutes. Whitworth could only get as close as ten points the rest of the way.

The Bucs had one of their best nights of the season shooting from behind the three point line. Whitworth made 10 of 21 attempts (47.6%).

The Pirates will conclude their non-conference schedule on Sunday with a game at the University of Great Falls. Whitworth defeated the Argonauts 85-61 in Spokane on November 24th.