Women's basketball team beats Juniata (Pa.), 67-41

The women's basketball team shot 65.1 percent (28-of-43) from the floor en route to an easy 67-41 victory over Juniata (Pa.) College this afternoon at the Upton Center in Olivet.

The Lady Comets (6-5) held a 9-8 lead at the 14:19 mark of the first half. From that point, Olivet did not allow a basket and scored 19 consecutive points over the next 9:41. The Comets led by as many 23 points with 1:33 left in the half when senior Emily Fix (New Buffalo/Comstock Park) made a layup. In the second half, Olivet extended its lead to 34 points with 4:22 remaining after sophomore Stephanie Smith (Waldron/Camden Frontier) nailed two free throws.

In addition to their hot shooting, the Comets outrebounded Juniata, 46-24. Olivet also connected on four-of-seven three pointers while the Eagles were 0-for-22 from behind the arc.

Fix topped the team with 12 points, followed by Smith and senior Essence Porter (Battle Creek/Central) with 10 points apiece and freshman Jaime Kowalczyk (Wyandotte Roosevelt) with nine points. Junior Gina Willard (Kent City) grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Senior Lindsey Daniels (Galesburg/Augusta) was next with seven and Smith had six. Freshman Amy Brackenwagen (Grand Ledge) dished out nine assists.

Olivet will resume Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play Tuesday, Jan. 4, when it hosts Adrian College at 7:30 p.m.