KIRKLAND – Northwest lost for the first time this season, falling to Montana Tech 78-35 Saturday.
 
Ellesse FitzGerald led the Eagles with seven points as the team shot 24.1 percent from the field and had 25 turnovers.
 
"Today was a great learning experience for us," said NU Head Coach Ken Crawford. "We use these early preseason games to find out more about ourselves as players and as a team. It's part of the process, and our team is committed to that process. This is going to be a fun team to watch."
 
The Orediggers jumped out to a 25-4 lead and never looked back, though the Eagles improved defensively in the second half.
 
Shelaine Lorenz led the Eagles with seven rebounds, and Livi Lindsey had three assists and three steals.
 
The Eagles, 1-1, return to action Friday at Lewis and Clark College in Portland. Game time is 6 p.m.