Megan Vig paced the Knights with 19 points.
The Knights (0-1) scored a mere 20 points in the opening half, connecting on only 9-of-30 field goal attempts. They limited the Wildcats (2-1) to seven second-half field goals, but the Knights were 7-for-13 from the free throw line over the final 20 minutes.
Kristi Colbenson added eight points and six rebounds for Carleton. Lindsay Sticka paced the hosts with 12 points and 10 rebounds; Kendra Victor and Heidi Jurgens were also in double figures with 10 points each.
The Linfield bench outscored their Carleton counterparts 14-4. The Wildcats outscored the Knights 18-8 from the free throw line and had but 11 turnovers to Carleton's 20. The Knights did hold a commanding 53-35 edge on the glass, including 19-8 on the offensive glass.
Carleton returns to action on Friday, Nov. 26, facing Pacific Lutheran University (Wash.) at 9 p.m. PST.