Women's basketball team falls to MIAA leader Hope College, 71-48

The Olivet College women's basketball team fell to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) leader Hope College, 71-48, this evening at the Upton Center. The Flying Dutch move one-half game ahead of Calvin College for the top spot in the league standings.

The Lady Comets (6-12, 0-8 MIAA) led by as many as five points, 15-10, at the 12:02 mark of the opening half. Hope (17-2, 8-1 MIAA) battled back and forced two ties, including 20-20 with 8:41 left. The Dutch then went on a 10-2 run to close out the first half.

Hope opened the second half with a 15-0 to seal the victory. The closest that Olivet was able to get was 16 points.

Sophomore center Amanda Johnston (Mt. Morris/Genessee High School) and freshman back-up point guard Sheena West (Kalamazoo Plainwell High School) led the Comets with 10 points and eight rebounds apiece. Senior Kim Strange (Ellsworth High School) added eight points for Olivet.

Kelly Taylor paced Hope with 13 points, followed by Bria Ebels and Adelynn Vilmann with 10 points each.

Olivet will next be in action on Saturday, Jan. 31 when it hosts Adrian College at 3 p.m.