The Portland Pilots women’s basketball team routed the Puget Sound Loggers in an exhibition game Saturday night at Chiles Center 88-45. The Pilots hustled and shot efficiently en route to their first victory of the season.
Portland owned the first half against the Loggers. They found some offensive success in running the floor, finding the open player for high percentage shots. The Pilots finished the half shooting a hot 55 percent from the field.
Portland was carried by the fast pace energy brought from many different players, including seniors Darian Slaga and forward Julie Spencer. Both consistently made hustle plays throughout the night.
“We have grown a lot in preseason,” senior guard Darian Slaga said. “There were some times where we were stagnant, that's something we have been working on, but I was pretty proud of us tonight.”
The Pilot offense fed off the energy on the defensive side of the ball as Portland forced 10 turnovers in the first half while keeping the Logger to a 22.2 shooting percentage.
“We are trying to play with some pace, trying to get out and find the open player to make the best decision we can,” head coach Cheryl Sorenson said.
Portland came out of the locker room still hungry as more defense and running the floor was the game plan. Junior guard Kate Andersen helped lead the defensive effort in the third quarter with multiple steals leading to a quick bucket.
“We are trying to play with some pace, trying to get out and find the open player to make the best decision we can,” Andersen said.
Portland found many positives in their first test of the season. Defense, hustle and sharing the basketball led the way last night. The Pilots will be back in action Nov. 10 as they travel to Utah Valley.
