NEWBERG, Ore. - Today the Calvin women's basketball team took its game to the west coast as it defeated George Fox University in a thrilling 62-57 overtime victory.

After today the Knights improved to a 7-5 overall record while George Fox fell to 1-8.

Calvin immediately went to work as it started the game with a quick 12-1 scoring run. RyAnn Rohrer (Ludington, Mich./Ludington) got out to a hot start as the sophomore forward had six points within the first five minutes. On the defensive end, Valerie Dirkse (Vienna, Va./Marshall) and Rohrer each recorded a block while the Knights held the Bruins to just a 25.0 shooting percentage in the first quarter.

As the second quarter got underway Calvin held an 18-11 lead but George Fox began to hit its stride. The Bruins scored seven unanswered points four minutes into the quarter to bring themselves within 5. Later in the quarter Emma Witte (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) came alive and scored six points while freshman Hannah Sall (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) scored four points to help Calvin retain the lead as it headed into halftime up 26-21.

In the first half the Knights outrebounded the Bruins 26-21 while also dominating in the paint outscoring them 20-6. 

In the third quarter George Fox continued to execute on the offensive end and the Knights headed into the final quarter of play with a one-point lead. In the fourth both teams traded baskets as they fought for control of the game. With 1:02 left in regulation the Bruins made a layup before sinking a free throw with nine seconds left to take a three-point lead. However, the Knights weren't finished and as the clock wound down freshman Katelyn LaRue (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) hit a step-back three pointer to send the game into overtime.

As the five minute overtime period got underway Calvin took the first jab with a basket from Witte. One minute later the Bruins went on a short run and claimed a 57-54 point lead. With a minute- and-a-half left, Sami DeKuiper (Rockford, Mich./Rockford) sank a three-point shot before LaRue converted on a layup that would later prove to be the final dagger for George Fox. The Knights would go on to claim the 62-57 win while also picking up their first overtime win of the season.

The Knights finished up the evening with a 36.5 shooting percentage while holding George Fox to a 32.8 shooting percentage. Calvin's bench continued to make an impact as it was responsible for 24 points. Rebounding was the biggest factor as the Knights outrebounded the Bruins 51-38 and scored 17 points off of second chance efforts.

Rohrer posted her third double-double of the season as she finished with a career high of 14 rebounds and 12 points. Witte also contributed 12 points while Dirkse had a career high of 13 rebounds and 7 points. LaRue finished with 10 points and Sall had 8 points. Junior Allie Mayes (East Lansing, Mich./East Lansing) chipped in 4 points and DeKuiper finished with 3 points. Sophie Sensenig (Grayslake, Ill./Westlake Christian), Anna Fernandez (Plymouth, Mich./Plymouth Christian), and Lauren Vanderstelt (Plainwell, Mich./Plainwell) all had a basket apiece.

COACHES COMMENT: "Really important win for this group tonight," said head coach Mark Christner. "We've been in these situations so far this year where discouragement won but our group chose a different way tonight. Really proud of them for coming back and getting the result. We thought of our 2015 group which had its season end at the hand of George Fox so this one is for them. Not the same stakes but a big time win for us."

UP NEXT: Calvin will remain on the west coast tomorrow as they take on Pacific University at 6PM (PST).