McMINVILLE, Ore. – Visiting Whitworth University could not overcome a stifling Linfield defense in a 59-39 loss in Saturday's Northwest Conference women's basketball game at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.

The Wildcats (10-2 overall, 3-0 NWC) forced 24 turnovers and extended their winning streak to six. The Pirates fell to 1-12 overall and 0-4 through two weekends of conference action.

Whitworth jumped out to an early 8-2 lead with a pair of long-range shots from Ashlyn Peterson and Addyson Gallatin. After a cold stretch allowed Linfield to take a 12-10 lead, the Bucs finished the quarter strong and made their final four attempts, including a layup from Peterson in the final seconds to grab an 18-14 advantage.

Both offenses struggled to put points on the board early in the second quarter. A shot from Peterson pushed the Pirate lead up to 22-15, but nine turnovers in the quarter prevented Whitworth from further extending its lead. Linfield capitalized and closed the half on a 13-2 run, taking a 24-28 lead into the break. The Pirates shot 40% (10-25) in the first half and made two of 10 three-point attempts. Peterson led the offense with 13 points.

The Wildcats took control in the third quarter, going 8-13 from the floor and holding Whitworth to just six points for the second straight frame. A hook shot from Mikiah Dunham at the 6:15 mark held the deficit at four, but Linfield outscored the Pirates 16-2 over the final six minutes. Linfield extended their advantage to as much as 26 in the final frame. Whitworth closed the gap in the final minute with a pair of baskets from Ayanna Tobeck and the first points of the season from Taylor Reed.

The Pirates shot 34% (17-50) from the field and 13.3% (2-15) from distance. The Wildcats shot 48.9% (23-47) and made four of 11 three-point attempts (36.4%). Linfield held a 32-30 advantage on the glass and finished with 21 points off turnovers.

Peterson led the Bucs with 14 points as the only Pirate in double figures. Ava DePew led the team with seven rebounds and four assists.

Skylar Willey led Linfield with 12 points on 6-11 shooting. Eve Burke added 11 points and Miki Vermeulen grabbed eight rebounds.

The Whitworth women will look for their first NWC win next weekend at George Fox and Lewis & Clark.