Women’s basketball: Olivet edged by Calvin, 83-73

OLIVET, Mich. – Following a string of five straight non-conference games, the Olivet College women's basketball team resumed its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association schedule and was edged by Calvin College 83-73 this afternoon at The Cutler Event Center in Olivet. With the win, the Knights remain perfect on the season with a 10-0 record, including a 3-0 mark against league opponents. The Comets slip to 5-7 and 0-3.

In the first half, Olivet led by five points on three occasions, with the last time being 20-15 at the 11:38 mark. Calvin then went on a 17-2 scoring run to take a 10-point lead, 32-22. The Comets answered with seven straight points over the next minute and 17 seconds to cut their deficit to three points, 32-29.

The Knights built their lead back to 11 points, 47-36, with a little less than one minute left before halftime. Senior Stefanie Lang made a layup right before the halftime buzzer to make the score 47-38 at the break.

The Comets opened the second half with a 15-3 run to take a 53-50. The run was capped by a three-pointer by senior Carli Reid. Olivet stretched its lead to seven points, 63-56, after junior Jackie Harwood split a pair of free throws with 7:43 left in the game.

Calvin responded with nine consecutive points to take the lead back, 67-63. Freshman Ayren Parrish made a free throw to make the score 67-64, but the Comets never got any closer. The Knights extended their lead to as many as 13 point, 83-70, before a Lang three-pointer in the final seconds created the final margin.

For the game, Calvin attempted 79 total shots, with 50 coming from behind the arc. The Knights made 28 baskets, including 13 triples and 14 free throws for their 83 points. Olivet made 27 field goals, including seven three-pointers, and 12 free throws for its 73 points. Calvin out-rebounded the Comets, 51-43, with a +11 advantage (26-15) on the offensive glass.

Lang posted game-highs in points (19) and rebounds (14) for her ninth double-double of the season. Reid joined her in double figures with 14 points. Parrish scored 13 points. Junior Leighann Thilo dished out a game-high seven assists. Junior Dallas Austin scored seven points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Four Knights reached double figures in the scoring column, led by Kayla Engelhard's 16 points. Breanna Verkaik added 15, while Hannah Acre and Anna Timmer scored 13 and 10, respectively. Kally Verkaik also pulled down 14 rebounds.

The Comets host Alma College next Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. The game is a part of a basketball doubleheader, as the Olivet men open MIAA play against Adrian College at 6 p.m.

NOTES: With her 19 points, Lang is tied with Emily Fix for sixth-place on the all-time scoring list at Olivet with 970 points. She needs only 16 points to pass Julie Davis for fifth-place on the list and 32 points to pass Laura Oestreich for fourth-place.