McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Megan Spence’s 18 points led four Pioneers in double figures as Lewis & Clark slipped by Linfield 70-62 Tuesday evening at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.

With the win the Pioneers run their record to 16-4 overall and 10-1 in Northwest Conference action. The Wildcats slide to 9-10 on the season and 4-7 in the NWC.

With both clubs shooting close to 50 percent, turnovers and rebounding proved to be the story of the night. Lewis & Clark committed just eight turnovers, while pressuring Linfield into 15 of its own.

The Pioneers crashed the glass all night, outrebounding the Wildcats 34-25, while hauling down 12 offensive rebounds.

Lewis & Clark came out of the gate in rhythm, taking an early 15-8 lead on a Tayler Wang 3-pointer at the 13:16 mark of the first half. It wouldn’t take long for Linfield to draw even, as the ‘Cats rolled off seven-straight points to tie the game at 15.

The two clubs traded blows over the remainder of the half, with no team separating themselves by more than four points. The Pioneers went into intermission with a 31-29 advantage. During the period Lewis & Clark shot 52.4 percent.

After falling behind by seven early in the second half, Linfield rebounded with a 10-3 spurt. Two free throws from Nicole Barton (Sr., Monmouth, Ore.) at the 14:27 mark tied the score at 39. After a defensive stop, the ‘Cats took a three-point lead on a 3-pointer from Gretchen Owens.

The Pioneers responded with a run of their own, taking a 51-45 advantage with just over 10 minutes remaining. The ‘Cats would get no closer the rest of the evening, falling behind by as many as 12.

Lewis & Clark’s success was largely due to their ability to spread the wealth on the offensive end of the floor. Four Pioneers scored in double figures, with Spence leading the way with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Kristina
Williams and Wang tallied 13 points apiece, while Margaret Dowling added 10.

Kaely Maltman (Jr., Sandy, Ore.) played one of her best games of the season, tallying a game-high 22 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Owens added 14 points, while Brynna Fuller chipped in with 10 points off the bench.

NEXT: Linfield returns to action Friday when the ‘Cats play host to visiting Willamette at 6 p.m.