KIRKLAND, Wash. | After more than a year since last playing in a counting competition, the Warner Pacific Knights took the hardwood against Northwest University. Despite Gabriella Bruno's 17 point effort, the Knights fell to the Eagles 54-80 on Friday afternoon.

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The Rundown
The Knights got out to a hot start with Bruno sinking one from deep just eight seconds into the game. The junior from Lake Oswego shot 4-6 from the arc on the night, leading all scorers with 17. Just five minutes into the game, the Knights jumped out to a 13-2 lead before the Eagles found their groove, clawing their way back to make it a two point game after the first quarter.

It was clear that that the Eagles, who heading into the night had seven games under their belt, have been back into the groove for a little bit with their flow remaining fairly consistent whereas the Knights started strong but struggled to maintain. Allowing the Eagles back into the game, Warner Pacific headed into the intermission with a 30-38 deficit.

Coming back from the break, it seemed the Knights had lost their steam, allowing Northwest to keep their momentum going, outscoring the Knights 26-11 in the quarter, making it a 25-point game with ten minutes to go. Ultimately closing it out with a strong fourth quarter performance and soaring into a 26-point victory.

Deeper Look
Three knows scored in double figures: Gabriella Bruno led all players with 17 points, shooting 4-6 from deep. Courtney Jackson scored a quiet 15 sinking three from deep and snatching six boards. Freshman Nicole Mickelson scored a career high 12 points for Warner Pac.

Flash Forward
Opening up the home season, Warner Pacific hosts the Eagles for game two of the series on Saturday afternoon at 3pm at CC Perry Gym.