FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 7th, 2025

Salem, Ore.| In their first official match, the Warner Pacific Women's basketball team took on Willamette University in Salem and took the loss 64-48.

Willamette University earned a solid 64–48 home victory over Warner Pacific, using a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive pressure to pull away in the second half. The Bearcats set the tone early with a 9–5 first-quarter lead and then continued to extend their advantage in the second quarter behind sharp shooting from guards Kaitlin Imai and Riley Walden. The duo combined for 37 points on the night, with Imai scoring 19 on 8-17 shooting and Walden adding 18 while hitting a pair of threes. 

"I think for a first game of the year, there were a ton of positives," head coach Jimmy Smith said. "We got to the line and rim often we just have to continue building as we go through this early start to the season. We looked really good in stretches and I know this will come together with time."

Warner Pacific battled throughout, but inconsistency on offense and struggles at the free-throw line proved costly. The Knights shot 38.3% from the field but only 52.6% from the free throw line leaving valuable points unclaimed. KJ Custer led the way with 11 points and six rebounds, while Alex Saunders matched that total off the bench with 11 points and five boards. Despite strong efforts from their forwards, Warner Pacific struggled going 2-7 from three and committed 20 turnovers which limited their scoring chances against a disciplined Willamette defense.

Next Up
The Knights struggled tonight but the season is young and they will continue to work it out. They face the University of Portland this Tuesday tip off set to be at 6pm at the Chiles Center for an exhibition and then will be back in regular season play against Simpson University down in Redding, California on November 14th with tip set for 4pm.