Ciba scores career-high 24 in 82-75 win over North Park

OLIVET, Mich. – Senior Chelsea Ciba (Olivet) scored a career-high 24 points, and junior Stefanie Lang (Valparaiso, Ind.) recorded her sixth straight double-double, as the Olivet College women's basketball team beat North Park (Ill.) University, 82-75, in a non-conference contest today at The Cutler Event Center.

There were four tied scores and four lead changes in the first seven minutes and 36 seconds of the game. After the Comets led 12-10, they went on an 8-3 run to take the first double digit lead of the game, 23-13, at the 9:41 mark. The Vikings fought back and took a 34-33 lead with 1:13 left in the opening half.

Sophomore Dallas Austin (St. Johns) responded with a basket to give the lead back to Olivet, 35-34. Kayla McCall made two free throws to put North Park ahead by one point, 36-35, at halftime.

The Vikings stretched their lead to five points, 44-39, at the 16:54 mark of the second half. The Comets rallied to tie the score twice, with the last time being 54-54. From there, Olivet went on an 8-0 scoring spurt to take a 62-54 lead with 9:10 left in the game. North Park rallied to cut its deficit down to one point, 65-64, but could not get any closer.

In addition to her 24 points, Ciba grabbed five rebounds, dished out six assists and made four steals. Lang scored 23 points and grabbed 21 rebounds, including 10 off the offensive glass. Senior Kelsey Campbell (Olivet) contributed 14 points and seven assists.

Brittany Pittas led the Vikings with 21 points. Nicole Kruckman added 15 points, while Dominikque Williams pulled down a team-leading nine rebounds.

The Comets will travel to Grand Rapids to play Aquinas College Wednesday night at 7 p.m.