By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- Whitman College surged out to a 43-23 halftime lead on its way to defeating Willamette University, 86-52, in a Northwest Conference women's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 7. The loss ended Willamette's three-game winning streak that featured conference victories over Linfield College, Pacific Lutheran University and Whitworth University.

Whitman upped its overall record to 15-6, while moving to 7-5 in the NWC. The Bearcats dropped to 4-14 overall, 3-9 in the NWC.

Molly Fillion (Sr., G, Silverton, OR/Silverton HS/Linn-Benton CC) was Willamette's top scorer with 16 points. She also hauled down 11 rebounds, as she earned her fifth consecutive double-double (11th of the season). Keilyn Fujioka (So., Kailua, HI/Iolani School) added 10 points and five boards for the 'Cats.

Alex Zennan (So., G/PG, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) and Jenny Fillion (Sr., G, Silverton, OR/Silverton HS/Linn-Benton CC) scored eight points apiece. Jenny Fillion also achieved two rebounds, three assists, a blocked shot and two steals.

Janele Peterson paced the Missionaries with 17 points. She also grabbed five rebounds. Hilary White added 15 points, while Rebecca Sexton chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds. Peterson and White each hit 6 of 9 field goals.

Whitman shot 50.8% from the field (32 of 63) and made 11 of 23 three-pointers (47.8%). Meanwhile, the Missionaries limited Willamette to just 32.3% shooting (20 of 62). The Bearcats made one of 11 three-point tries.

The Missionaries also claimed a 45-33 rebounding edge, but Fillion led all rebounders with her 11 caroms. Nicki Clowdsley (So., Post, Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) followed for Willamette with six boards. Michelle Krall topped Whitman will eight rebounds.

Willamette trailed by just five points, 23-18, with 6:45 left in the first half. Whitman ended the period with a 20-5 run to extend the lead to 20 points. The Missionaries led by at least 19 points throughout the second half.

The 'Cats will close the season with three of four games at home, starting with a Northwest Conference contest against Pacific University on Friday, Feb. 13. Game time at Cone Field House is slated for 6 p.m. (PST).