GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Today the Calvin women's basketball team traveled to South Bend, Indiana and came away with a 96-60 victory over the Belles of Saint Mary's.
After today's game the Knights improve to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in MIAA play while Saint Mary's falls to 1-5 overall and 0-1 in MIAA play.
Calvin came out strong as it went on a quick 9-3 run to begin the game behind two baskets by junior Emma Witte (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian). Just minutes later ,Sophie Sensenig (Grayslake, Ill./Westlake Christian) sank two free throws before draining a three-pointer on the next possession to extend the Calvin lead. After the first quarter Calvin was in complete control with a 29-15 lead.
In the second quarter the Knights continued to play lockdown defense as they held the Belles to a shooting percentage of 44 percent while they put up a shooting percentage of 55 percent. Calvin also recorded a three-point percentage of 55 percent while going 8-11 from the free throw line.
In the second half, Calvin kept the pressure on Saint Mary's as it continued to force turnovers and scored relentlessly. At the end of full time the Knights came away victorious with a commanding 96-60 victory.
Calvin ended the game shooting 50 percent from the field while holding Saint Mary's to just 35.2 percent. The Knights also capitalized on their impressive defensive performance by scoring 22 points off of the Belles 18 turnovers. Calvin dominated in the paint outscoring Saint Mary's 50-18 and saw huge contributions from its bench which was responsible for 53 points.
Witte was the leading scorer for the Knights with 15 points while Sensenig ended the game with 14 points. Freshman Katelyn LaRue (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) had 11 points while Sami DeKuiper (Rockford, Mich./Rockford) and Anna Fernandez (Plymouth, Mich./Plymouth Christian Academy) each chipped in 9 points.
COACHES COMMENTS: "Emphatic response from our group," said head coach Mark Christner. "It's been a tough week in our locker room, so we are excited about the result today. We shared the ball, received great contributions from our entire roster and created a pace to our advantage. I want to thank both Heather and Anna for the work they do loving and developing our players. Excited for what's ahead for this group."
UP NEXT: The Knights will be back in action Saturday, December 9th when the travel to Holland, Mich. to take on rival Hope College. Tip off is set for 7 P.M.
