Women's Basketball | 11/10/2010 1:56:41 AM

MCMINNVILLE, Ore. - A career-high 25 points from sophomore guard Hannah Whitsett (Hermiston, Ore./Hermiston) led the Wolves to a 74-66 victory over Linfield College Tuesday, Nov. 9.

The win wraps up the exhibition portion of WOU's schedule, giving them a 1-2 record in pre-season play.

Whitsett led all scorers with 25 points, besting her previous career high of 14, which she set in her first collegiate game last season. Also in double figures for Western were senior forward Danielle Bellando (Eugene, Ore./Willamette) and junior forward Rylee Peterson (Newport, Ore./Newport), who contributed 13 points and 11 points, respectively. Bellando also pulled down a team-high seven boards, while Peterson and senior guard Sara Zahler (Newberg, Ore./Newberg) added six apiece. Sophomore guard Jamie Richardson (Grants Pass, Ore./Hidden Valley) led all players with a career-high seven assists.

“I feel like I was due for a game like this,” Whitsett said. “I hadn't been shooting the ball that well in our last two games, but when they opened the game in a 2-3 zone, I knew I was going to get a lot of looks, and it was on me to knock those down and help us get the win.”

The Wolves found themselves down 36-33 at the halfway point, and Linfield would increase their lead to 42-33 within the first two minutes of the second half. Western would respond with an 18-6 run spanning more than six minutes to take a 51-48 lead. Linfield battled back, but WOU took the lead for good on a three-pointer by Whitsett with 7:32 left to play.

“We really had to grind it out tonight,” WOU head coach Greg Bruce said. “Considering our lack of experience against a zone thus far, I thought we got some good looks and were able to get to the free throw line. It was a good learning experience overall.

“Linfield really battled and were ready to play. Their players were aggressive and their execution was solid. We were able to come out on top, but give a lot of credit to them.”

Linfield was paced by freshman Kaely Maltman's double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The Wolves open their regular season Saturday, Nov. 13, in Eugene against Pac-10 member Oregon. Tip-off time is set for noon.