Box Score PARKLAND, Wash. - Puget Sound secured a 60-51 victory over Pacific Lutheran at Olson Auditorium this evening. Puget Sound outscored Pacific Lutheran in the second quarter with a 19-6 run that proved decisive as the game came to a close.

The first quarter of the game ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 11 points. Puget Sound's Addison Reardon contributed significantly by scoring a 3-pointer at 1:15, assisted by Natalia Sefair-Lopez, and also made a jumper earlier in the quarter. Carmen Cruz was active defensively, recording multiple steals, and added a point from the free-throw line with 0:07 remaining to even the score. The squad had a total of 6 steals in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the team outscored their opponent 19-6, with notable contributions from several players. Cayton Smith opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, assisted by Claire Thompson, at the start of the quarter to give them a 14-11 lead. Savannah Pohl added to the advantage with consecutive jumpers, including a block and a defensive rebound, pushing the score to 18-11. Cruz extended the lead with two successful free throws, making it 23-11, following a personal foul on Pacific Lutheran. Emme Eisenman capitalized on a steal with a fast-break layup, and Paige Oh assisted Reardon for a 3-pointer, setting the score at 28-17. Autumn Hill capped the quarter with a layup, assisted by Oh, concluding the quarter at 30-17.

The third quarter saw a strong performance from Puget Sound, with Reardon scoring early with a 3-pointer at 9:31, assisted by Oh. Oh continued her contribution by scoring a jumper and a 3-pointer, extending the lead to 38-21. Natalia Sefair-Lopez and Reardon each added 3-pointers, with Sefair-Lopez assisting on multiple occasions. Defensively, Hill blocked a shot around the 6:30 mark and Oh secured several rebounds. Eisenman capped the quarter with a tip-in, closing the quarter at 50-34 in favor of Puget Sound.

In the fourth quarter, Pacific Lutheran began with a quick 3-pointer by Kasidy Javernick at 9:00, pushing their lead to 50-37. Puget Sound's Hill responded with a tip-in at 6:32, bringing the score to 52-37. Cruz added to Puget Sound's total with a layup at 3:57, increasing their lead to 54-41. Despite turnovers and fouls, Puget Sound maintained momentum, with Eisenman contributing two free throws at the 1:30 mark, securing a 56-49 lead. Mele Sake's two free throws in the final minute, followed by another from Eisenman at the buzzer, solidified Puget Sound's 60-51 victory in the quarter, despite a 17-point effort from Pacific Lutheran.

Reardon led the Loggers with 17 points, converting 6 of 10 field goal attempts and 4 of 7 3-pointers. Cruz contributed significantly on defense with a team-high five steals while adding seven points. Eisenman also played a key role defensively with four steals and provided six total rebounds, three each on offensive and defensive ends. Highlighting the defensive efforts in the paint, Hill recorded two blocks and secured nine rebounds, with eight coming on the defensive glass.

The Loggers next face the Pioneers of Lewis & Clark this Friday, at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.