WALLA WALLA - Pacific Lutheran built itself a big first half deficit, and despite a strong performance in the final 20 minutes of the contest the Lutes were unable to mount a comeback in dropping a 71-51 decision to Whitman in the Northwest Conference women's basketball opener for both teams played Friday in Sherwood Center.

The Lutes, now 0-3 overall and 0-1 in the conference, shot just 29 percent (7-for-24) in the opening half compared to 58 percent (19-for-33) for the Missionaries, who took a big 45-18 margin at the break. PLU out-scored Whitman 33-26 in the second half but simply couldn't overcome the big hole they found themselves in after the opening period.

Pacific Lutheran started out quickly, taking a 5-4 lead on Megan Abdo's basket about 2 1/2 minutes into the game, and when Samantha Potter hit a jumper it took its largest lead of the game, 9-6, with 15:29 on the clock.

The hosts scored the next 14 consecutive points and after that it was all Missionaires as they pulled away for the win, improving their overall record to 4-1.

Kara Sherman led PLU with 11 points, followed by Sarah Barnes with 10. Potter led the team with six rebounds. The Lutes ended up shooting 35 percent (19-for-55) for the game.

For Whitman, Heather Johns notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Both Meghan White and Sarah Anderegg also scored 12 points. Whitman finished with 48 percent (30-for-62) accuracy from the field.

PLU seeks its first win of the 2012-13 season at 4 p.m. Saturday when it plays the Whitworth Pirates in Spokane.