SPOKANE, Wash. – The University of Puget Sound women's basketball team dropped a 69-67 nailbiter to Whitworth on Saturday. The loss is the first conference loss for the No. 24 Loggers (10-3, 3-1 NWC) this season.

"Whitworth played a great tonight," commented head coach Loree Payne. "We lost the battle on the boards and that was the difference in the game. We are learning every game and will shift our focus to a solid Pacific Lutheran team."

Jocelyn Riordan scored a game-high 23 points for the Loggers while Sarah Stewart added nine points and 10 rebounds.

The Loggers shot 44 percent in the first half, including 6-of-12 from three-point range, to take a 38-31 lead into halftime. The Pirates (6-7, 2-2 NWC) slowly chipped away at the lead and eventually tied the game at the 7:26 mark in the second half. There were 13 lead changes and eight ties in the back-and-forth battle.

With the game tied at 67-67 and just 11 seconds remaining, Emily Travis hit two free throws to put the Pirates in front 69-67. The Loggers final attempt didn't fall as the Pirates came away for the upset victory.

The Loggers shot 23.5 percent in the second half while the Pirates shot 38.5 percent. Four Pirates scored double digits with Taylor LaMoreaux's 16 points leading the way.

Kelsey McKinnis added 12 points for the Loggers behind 8-of-9 shooting from the free throw line.

The Loggers will have a quick turnaround as they will take on Pacific Lutheran in Parkland, Wash. at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.