Women’s basketball team drops 63-48 decision at Cornerstone

The Olivet College women's basketball team was defeated by Cornerstone University, 63-48, tonight in Grand Rapids. Cornerstone improves to 2-4 with the win, while Olivet's record drops to 0-5.

In the first half, the Comets had an eight-point lead on two occasions with the last time being, 20-12, when freshman Mellissa Bageris (Milford) drained a jumper with 7:42 left before halftime. The Golden Eagles clawed their way back and tied the game at 26-26 at the 2:25 mark. Melissa Veltkamp put Cornerstone up by two points, 28-26, at the break. Cornerstone opened the second half with a 13-4 run to push its lead to double digits. Later in the half, the Golden Eagles' lead ballooned to as many as 21 points with just under five minutes remaining in the game.

Bageris and junior Stephanie Spehar (South Lyon) each scored 12 points for the Comets. Sophomore Olivia Yarrell (Lansing/Sexton) joined them in double figures with 10 points. Senior Gabrielle Federau (Okemos) grabbed 10 rebounds.

Robyn Veltlkamp led Cornerstone with 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor. Brooke Carter chipped-in with 12 points. Melissa Veltkamp posted team-high honors in rebounds (8) and assists (7).

The Comets will host the 2009 Comet Classic this Friday and Saturday at The Cutler Event Center. Friday's games feature Calvin vs. Elmhurst at 5:30 p.m., followed by Olivet vs. Siena Heights. Saturday's games will pit Calvin vs. Siena Heights at 2 p.m., followed by the Comets vs. Elmhurst.