Women's basketball team defeats Saint Mary's, 82-63

Senior Audrey Graham (Battle Creek/Lakeview) tied her season-high with 23 points as the Olivet College women's basketball team defeated Saint Mary's (Ind.) College, 82-63, tonight at the Upton Center in Olivet. In addition, senior Stephanie Smith (Waldron/Camden Frontier) scored 15 points, while junior Jaime Kowalczyk (Wyandotte/Roosevelt) posted season-high honors in points (14) and rebounds (10).

The Belles (4-7, 3-1 MIAA) raced out to seven-point lead, 14-7, in the first six minutes of the contest. The Comets (5-5, 2-1 MIAA) slowly chipped away at their deficit and tied the score at 22-22 when Graham made a layup at the 5:27 mark. Following two more ties and seven lead changes, Olivet took the lead for good on a three-pointer by freshman Nykole Pfaff (Goodrich/Powers Catholic) with 2:44 left before halftime. At the break, the Comets led by three points, 37-34.

In the second half, Olivet extended its lead to as many as 20 points on two occasions. The last time was with 1:07 remaining in the game.

For the game, the Comets made 28-of-64 (43.8 percent) baskets and out-rebounded Saint Mary's, 56-39. Graham connected on seven-of-16 shots from the floor and nine-of-11 free throws. Smith had five three-pointers for her 15 points. Kowalczyk made four-of-eight field goals and six-of-eight free throws.

Junior Amy Brackenwagen (Grand Ledge) grabbed nine rebounds and dished out eight assists, while turning the ball over only two times in 34 minutes. Senior Callie Reed (Howell) had four blocked shots.

For the Belles, Alison Kessler led all scorers with 30 points. Anna Kamrath pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds.

Olivet travels to play Adrian College Saturday, Jan. 6, at 3 p.m.