Mariah Stacona led NU with 15 points and 6 steals
Fast Start Lifts Eagles Over Lutes
TACOMA, Wash. - The Northwest University Eagles jumped out to a 22-4 first quarter lead and never looked back on their way to a 64-43, non-league victory over Pacific Lutheran in Olson Gymnasium tonight.
Hitting 52% of their shots while holding PLU to just 25% from the field in the first half, Northwest U built a 42-19 lead at the break. Mariah Stacona led the Eagles with 13 of her 15 points in the half along with 3 assists and 2 steals.
NU would come out fast again to start the second half and with 8:00 left in the quarter, Hannah Carlson's free throw would stretch the Eagles' lead to 47-19. The Eagles would go scoreless on 0 for 5 shooting in the final 7 minutes as the Lutes would cut the lead to 49-30 at the end of the period.
in the fourth quarter, it was evident PLU would not be able to make up any ground as Northwest U would go on to close out the game and improve to 4-6 for the season.
Mariah Stacona led four Eagles in double figures with her 15 points, 5 assists and 6 steals; Kalee Fowler scored 14; Hannah Carlson 13; and Miranda Langenhorst scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. NU outrebounded the Lutes 45-42.
Pacific Lutheran (1-5) was led by Madison Salisbury's 8 points and 4 rebounds. Adrianna Davis added 7 points as the Lutes managed just 18-70 shooting for the night (26%).
"It was a strong win for the lady Eagles tonight," said NU coach, Ken Crawford. "We're playing shorthanded, but we were able to control the lead from the beginning, and maintain it throughout the game. It was a solid team effort as we continue to learn. We are excited about playing Division I Portland State tomorrow afternoon."
Next Up: Northwest U continues south to Portland, Ore., for an exhibition with NCAA Division I, Portland State tomorrow at 1 p.m.