WAUKESHA, Wis. – Puget Sound women's basketball's inspiring three-game post-season tournament run ended tonight against #23 University of Wisconsin – Stout with a final score of 61-40 for the NCAA Division-III tournament second round game.  

Coming off the win in the first round against #13 Carroll University the Loggers looked to redeem an early season loss against the Blue Devils in November. In the first quarter, Puget Sound was able to keep Wisconsin –Stout in check early, but were slow to get on the board until just under the six-minute mark.  Senior Katie Minnehan provided the Loggers a spark with two layups, but the Blue Devils answered.  Puget Sound was able to draw several fouls to keep the score close.  With less than a minute to play, Sophie Nilsson tied it up at 11-11 before Wisconsin-Stout reclaimed the lead to finish the opening period by a score of 11-15.  

In the second quarter, Wisconsin-Stout increased the lead by 12 with five minutes to go in the half.  Despite some good looks at the basket, the Loggers struggled to convert. The Blue Devils continued to find scoring opportunities including three from the three-point line.  The Loggers went into the locker room at halftime down 22-36 and shooting 24% overall for the game. At the half, Nilsson led all Loggers with eight points, with Kennedy Brown going 4-4 from the foul line. 

Coming out of the half, Wisconsin-Stout extended its lead.  The Loggers made a short run to chip away at the score with Nilsson adding to her point total. Shooting woes continued to take its toll on Puget Sound despite the team's tenacious play. Without finding a way to match the Blue Devils, Puget Sound found itself down by 21 at the end of the third quarter.

With senior leader Paige Gerhart fouling out to start the fourth quarter, Puget Sound looked to regroup.  Unable to turn it around, Coach Kushiyama took to the bench to set in motion valuable playing experience for the younger team members.  The Loggers were able to hold the point margin for the remainder of the game. 

Nilsson finished the game leading the Loggers in scoring with 16 points and eight rebounds. Minnehan added eight points to the team total along with four steals. Puget Sound shot 24% for the game and was only 3-for-31 from the three-point line. The Blue Devils finished with a 44% field goal percentage and now advance to the third round of the championship.

Coach Kushiyama noted after the first game, one thing he really prides the team on is having a spot for each player, "Throughout the year we have utilize 11 different starters whether that be because of injury or just different people stepping up, these guys love each other so much, they're always hyping each other up, even when they get subbed out they don't hang their head that they're coming out, they are genuinely excited for the person that's coming in."

After the loss, Kennedy Brown remarked that "something we pride ourselves on is [being] a tight knit group that honestly started with Coach (Kushiyama) when he came to Puget Sound. He really emphasized a good culture with a strong group of girls," continuing to say, "I think that's something we have that other teams don't." Coach Kushiyama responded saying one of the core values of the team is "Mudita, it means to have vicarious joy in the success for others, it is a part of who we are." 

The Loggers complete the remarkable season with an overall record of 20-9, including capturing the Northwest Conference Championship Tournament and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division-III championship.