The Linfield women’s basketball team clinched its first winning campaign since 2011 on Friday, February 19 by defeating Pacific University 77-56. The Wildcats then ended their season in an intense game against the George Fox Bruins on Saturday, February 20.

“In the last two games we shared the ball extremely well and found the open looks and converted,” Junior point guard Quincey Gibson said.

“We also communicated on defense which is something we’ve been working on all year, so it was really awesome to see it all come together at the end of the season,” she said.

Gibson recorded a double-double in the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds against the Boxers.

Linfield Junior Dani Krier shot 6-for-11 from the floor and also recorded 16 points for the ’Cats.

Linfield connected on its opening four field goals, jumping to a 9-0 lead.

The Boxers responded with a 15-2 run in a little over four minutes.

In the second quarter Linfield reclaimed its lead and when into half-time 29-26.

A couple of successful baskets by Gibson and McMillan built a 17 point advantage in the third quarter.

Every eligible Linfield player saw action on the court.

The ’Cats upped their conference record to 6-9 while the Boxers dropped to 5-10 in Northwest Conference play.

The next night the ’Cats nearly gave the second-ranked and undefeated George Fox Bruins their first lost this season.

The ’Cats forced a tie game at the end of the third quarter but ultimately fell to a 71-61 loss.

“Our senior night was amazing. Everyone put out their best effort to try and take down top ranked George fox,” Senior Hannah Depew said.

“We stayed with them and almost had them a few times but unfortunately a few plays didn’t swing our way,” she said.

The Bruins had a 20-14 fourth quarter advantage over the ’Cats.

Depew and Jessica McMillan, ’18, each totaled 10 points in their final games as Wildcats.

McMillan took over Linfield’s career block record with 123 blocks.

Depew had a career-high eight assists in the game.

“I’m really proud of us for giving them a scare to their undefeated season and hope the team pulls out the win next year,” Depew said.

First-year head coach Casey Bunn led the Linfield women’s basketball team to a winning season.

The ’Cats ended with a 13-12 overall record and 6-10 in the NWC to tie for fifth place with Pacific.

George Fox once again claimed the title.

“I am just so happy with what our team has accomplished this year, and I think the past two games showed what we are capable of,” Gibson said.

“I’m really glad we had a winning season however our team is way too good to settle for just a winning season, and I hope the girls can realize that next year and destroy the league,” Depew said.