Box Score

SPOKANE, Wash.— Devin Cope's career-high 15 points helped Whitworth edge the visiting Walla Walla Wolves 63-57 in their season-opener on Thursday night.

The Pirates took a commanding 39-21 lead at the half, shooting 57.9% from the field in the second quarter (11-19) and out-rebounding WWU 28-11, but the Wolves' second-half campaign made it a game.

Coming out of the half, Whitworth's Olivia Mayer scored the first bucket to give the Pirates the largest lead of the game. Whitworth and Walla Walla traded buckets until the Wolves began chipping away at the lead. 

Paulina Quitana's three pointer put the Wolves within 10 with three minutes remaining in the third quarter. Madison Hagen matched Quitana to put the Pirates up 50-37 heading into the 4th quarter.

Quintana continued to be the offensive spark for the Wolves, scoring the first seven points in the fourth quarter to put WWU within six. Walla Walla's defensive pressure held Whitworth to two made field goals and twelve attempts (16.7%) in the fourth quarter. 

The Wolves were within one point and had a chance to take the lead with 2:43 remaining in the game, but the Pirates were able to make plays down the stretch to beat the Wolves 63-57. 

Cope and Mayer led the Pirates with 15 points each, while Sydney McLean recorded eight assists in her Pirate debut. 

Jaliyah Casem led the Wolves with 19 points and teammate Chariah Daniels tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Pirates will travel to Kirkland, Washington to take on Northwest University (Wash.) on November 18th at 7:30 PM.