WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Pacific opened Northwest Conference play Friday with a 61-53 loss at Whitman.

In a rematch of the 2022-23 conference championship game, Pacific shot just 36.5 percent from the field. After two free throws by Alexis Intong got the Boxers within 9-8 with 3:23 remaining in the first quarter, Whitman answered with five straight points. 

Danica Schmidt knocked down a 3-pointer with 23 seconds remaining to get Pacific within 14-11 at the end of the first period. However, the Blues opened the second quarter on a 7-0 run to take a double-digit lead, 21-11, with 8:15 remaining. 

A jump shot by Marissa Layosa cut the deficit to seven points, 30-23, at halftime. A Sydney Gray 3-pointer to start the third quarter then got the Boxers within four points, but Pacific could not get any closer as Whitman led for the entire second half. 

Brilie Kovaloff finished with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists to lead the Boxers. Intong added 10 points, three rebounds and two assists in the loss.

Forty-one of Whitman's 61 points came from just two players as Carly Martin finished with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and tree steals. Christiane Carlisle had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. 

Pacific was outrebounded 32-24. 

Next, the Boxers play at Whitworth on Saturday at 4 p.m. 

For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on Instagram and Twitter.
 
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