KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Northwest University women would lead from start to finish as they would end their season with a 61-45 Cascade Conference victory over Multnomah University on the Eagles senior night. Five NU seniors were recognized in a post-game ceremony along with their families.

The Eagles took a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter and then outscored the Lions 19-9 in the second quarter to take a 33-17 lead at halftime. Neither team shot the ball particularly well with NU shooting 33% and Multnomah converting 25% of their shots in the half.

Northwest U would extend their lead in the third quarter on a 10-5 run to open the period and take a 21 point, 43-22, lead after a basket and free throw by Mariah Stacona to complete the 3-point play. With 4:07 to go in the quarter, senior Emily Henderson would get an offensive tip-in to stretch the NU lead to 48-25. Multnomah would score the final four points of the quarter as NU would lead 48-29 at the buzzer.

The Lions would chip away at the Eagles lead in the final period and with 6:13 to go, Paris Sanders would score to cut the NU lead to 50-38. But, Jackie Bento and Miranda Langenhorst would hit bac-to-back baskets and the lead would be back up to 15, 54-39 at the 4:36 mark. Multnomah would be unable to get any closer as Northwest U would end their season with a victory.

Senior Kalee Fowler led Northwest U (11-18, 8-12 CCC) with 13 points. Teammate Miranda Langenhorst scored 12 with 9 rebounds and Mariah Stacona contributed 9 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. NU held a sizeable advantage in rebounding with a 58-39 margin.

Multnomah (1-29, 1-19 CCC) shot 28% for the game as was led by Valerie Wakefield’s 13 points. Bethany George added 8 points for the Lions who were 8 for 11 from the free throw line for 73%.

“I couldn’t be prouder of a group of young women who competed the entire year and gave it everything they had,” said NU head coach Ken Crawford. “After losing four key players right at the beginning of our season and then losing Hannah Carlson for the final 12 games, our ladies continued to persevere and play their hearts out. There’s no telling what a healthy Eagle team could have accomplished, but I am proud of this team and the seniors.”