NOTRE DAME, Ind- The Calvin women's basketball team traveled to Saint Mary's (Ind.) today and will return to campus with a 90-66 victory over the Belles.

Calvin outshot Saint Mary's 48.7% to 33.8% and showed absolute dominance in the paint as it scored 60 of its points from down low. Both of these factors proved to be key in the victory and moved the Knights to an overall record of 14-3 and a conference record of 7-2.

Right from the beginning both teams battled for the advantage as there were six lead changes throughout the first eight minutes. It wasn't until the final two minutes of the quarter that Calvin began to lock in on defense and went on an 8-0 scoring run, giving the Knights a 24-16 lead.

Although the Belles' offense seemed to come more alive in the second quarter the Knights were able to retain their lead as the score was 45-36 at the half. Freshman RyAnn Rohrer (Ludington, Mich./Ludington) and senior Gabby Timmer lead the way for Calvin, each having 11 points after the first twenty minutes.

In the third quarter Calvin asserted its dominance as it outscored the Belles 22-11, giving the Knights some breathing room as they entered the fourth with a 20-point lead. In the final ten minutes, the Knights continued to smother the Belles on defense and came out with the victory.

Timmer finished the game with 21 points while her fellow seniors Leah Harris (Frisco, Texas/Lone Star) and Sydney Cleary (Middleville, Mich./South Christian) chipped in 15 points apiece. Timer also tallied two blocks while sophomore Value Dirkse (Vienna, Va./Marshall) had three blocks, six assists, and eight rebounds on the day.

COACHES COMMENT: "A determined effort from our team today," said Calvin's head coach Mark Christner. "The 40 minute climb was apparent today as we responded well to any punch St. Mary's threw our way. It was important to start the second round well. The goal is to take each game as it comes now. We have a tough set of back-to-back games next week at home. We'll rest up and get ready for our last non-conference game on Tuesday; then a hot Adrian team Wednesday."

UP NEXT: The Knights will be back in action on Tuesday as they welcome Benedictine (Il.) to Van Noord Arena. The game is set to tip-off at 7PM.