Linfield outscored Pacific by a 23-13 margin and shot 50% from the field in the fourth quarter to overcame a five-point deficit to rally to knock off the Boxers, 61-56 on Saturday in McMinnville.
The Boxers (14-5, 8-2 NWC) were led by a 19-point effort from junior
Courtney Carolan. She was joined in double figures by junior
Camy Aguinaldo and freshman
Brilie Kovaloff who had 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The Wildcats (11-8, 4-5 NWC) got a game-high 24 points from Kory Oleson and 14 more from Brooke Landis in the win.
With Pacific holding a four-point lead after a three-point play by Aguinaldo, the Wildcats' tandem of Oleson and Landis scored nine unanswered to put Linfield ahead 53-50 with 2:26 left to play. It was the first lead by the Wildcats since the 4:58 mark of the second quarter.
The Wildcats would remain in front for the rest of the contest despite the Boxers cutting the lead to one, 53-52, on a Carolan layup with 2:08 left to play. Landis answered with a layup, following a pass from Oleson to push the lead back to three and keep Linfield ahead.
Next, Pacific will look to bounce back on a quick turnaround as they will face George Fox on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in Newberg.