TACOMA, Wash. -- The Loggers drop their first game of Northwest Conference play 56-65 to the Linfield Wildcats, putting up a solid fight against one of the top teams in the conference. 

How it Happened
The Loggers had one of their best offensive quarters to start the game, kicking off the period with a 9-3 run. Carmen Cruz found the bottom of the basket from beyond the arc, also hitting a layup for a quick five points. Natalia Sefair-Lopez and Grace Lee also got in on the action, making it 13-7 with four minutes left in the first. A pair of Sefair-Lopez free throws and a bucket by Claire Thompson capped off the period, as the Loggers had a 17-13 lead after one. 

The Wildcats didn't back down, though, starting their comeback at the beginning of the second quarter. The teams traded buckets, but Linfield's pressure kept the Loggers at bay. A Cruz three gave the Loggers a 24-22 lead, but a 9-0 Wildcat run left a sour taste in the Loggers' mouths. Mele Sake hit a shot at the buzzer to pull wihin five, but the Loggers found themselves down 28-33 at the half. 

Another Linfield run started the third quarter, as their lead was as big as eight with just over six minutes remaining. A free throw by Thompson and a triple by Sefair-Lopez pulled the Loggers within four, and buckets by Lee and Sake tied the game up at 40 apiece. With the crowd back into the game, the Loggers continued their run with a pair of Sefair-Lopez free throws. This ended the scoring in the third, as the Loggers outscored the Wildcats 18-10 in the period. 

The fourth didn't go the Loggers way, though, as Linfield put their foot on the gas pedal. Despite a bucket by Sake, the Wildcats retook the lead with an 8-2 run to start the fourth. They kept piling it on, as the Loggers suddenly found themselves down eight with two minutes to go. Lee layed it in to pull the Loggers within seven, but a Wildcat offensive rebound after a free throw sealed the Loggers' fate, 56-65. 

Top Performers
Lee had a solid offensive performance, finishing with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and three steals. Sefair-Lopez has hit 16 straight free throws in two games, finishing tonight with 13 points and 3 assists. 

What Happens Next
The Loggers take on Pacific tomorrow, January 17th, at 3:00 pm.