Women’s basketball team knocks off Saint Mary’s, 87-63

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's basketball team began the second half of its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) schedule with a big 87-63 win over Saint Mary's (Ind.) College today at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet. With the win, Olivet improves its overall record to 12-6, including 7-2 in the MIAA. The Belles drop to 5-13 and 3-6.

Saint Mary's scored the first points of the game. The Comets responded with a three-pointer and two free throws from senior Mellissa Bageris (Milford) to regain the lead, 5-4, and they did not give it up for the rest of the game. Olivet quickly pushed its lead to double digits after making six three-pointers in the first seven minutes, 28 seconds.

Later, the Comets led by 18 points, 33-15, with 9:23 left in the opening half. The Belles came back with a 10 run to trim its deficit down to eight points, 33-25, but they would not get any closer. Olivet pushed its lead back to as much as 21 points, 49-28, at halftime.

The Comets stretched their lead to as many as 32 points, 72-40, with 11:38 left in the game. Twice, Saint Mary's closed to within 24 points, including the final margin of defeat.

For the game, Olivet shot 45.6 percent from the floor to 36.7 percent for the Belles. Both teams made 17-of-23 free throws, while the Comets made eight triples. Olivet out-rebounded Saint Mary's, 50-30, including a decisive 20-9 advantage on the offensive glass.

Four Comets reached double figures in the scoring column. Senior Sydney Radde (Stevensville/Lakeshore) posted a double-double, 21 points and 11 rebounds, to lead the way. Bageris and junior Kelsey Campbell (Olivet) each had 15, while sophomore Stefanie Lang (Valparaiso, Ind.) came off the bench to score 14 points and grab eight rebounds.

Campbell also dished out a game-high seven assists. Junior Heather Lauwers (Ortonville/Brandon) finished with 10 rebounds. Junior Chelsea Ciba (Olivet) recorded four assists.

Krista Knapke and Katherine Wabler each scored 13 for the Belles.

Olivet hosts Trine (Ind.) University next Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m.

NOTE: The 87 points scored by the Comets was the most for them in an MIAA game since Jan. 26, 2008, when they scored 88 against Kalamazoo.