MONMOUTH, Ore. - Pacific Lutheran rallied from a 20-point second half deficit but in the end couldn't bridge the gap in losing a 74-62 decision to Western Oregon in its season opener played at New PE Building on Saturday.

Western Oregon, a NCAA Division II program playing its fourth game of the season, was led by Mariah Durian with 25 points and 11 rebounds and by Lorrie Clifford with 17 points. The Wolves are now 2-2 this season.

Junior post Samantha Potter poured in 20 points and sophomore point guard Andi Adams corraled six rebounds to lead the Lutes in those two categories.

Western Oregon led by as many as 18 points in the first half, 36-18, on a pair of free throws by Melissa Fowler with 4:16 on the clock. PLU was able to whittle at the deficit, however, and the teams went into the half with Western holding a 39-28 advantage.

The Wolves took a 61-41 advantage on Clifford's layup with 10:59 remaining in the contest, but again the Lutes had a reply. When Kara Sherman scored on a layup with 3:14 left, PLU had cut the deficit to 69-60. Unfortunately, the Lutes were not able to get closer.

Sherman, a sophomore guard, had a solid all-around game with eight points, six assists and two steals. Freshman guard Megan Abdo added five assists as PLU finished with 18 total on its 25 baskets.

Pacific Lutheran returns to action at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, when it hosts Warner Pacific in another non-conference contest.

- PLU -