Women's basketball team defeats Saint Mary's, 79-62

The Olivet College women's basketball team shot 50 percent from the floor and defeated Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) foe Saint Mary's (Ind.), 79-62, this afternoon at the Upton Center in Olivet.

With the win, the Lady Comets (9-16, 3-11 MIAA) are the #7 seed in next week's MIAA Tournament. Olivet will play at #2 seed Hope College in a first round game on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m.

The Comets built a 39-28 halftime lead behind 56 percent shooting from the field and six-of-six from the free throw line. In the second half, Olivet led by 20 points with 14:31 left when junior forward Essence Porter (Battle Creek/Central High School) completed a three-point play by nailing a free throw. Over the next seven minutes, the Belles (7-18, 2-12 MIAA) closed to within 12 points twice. The Comets then used a 13-5 run to lead again by 20 markers, 77-57, with 2:20 left in the game.

Senior captains Kim Strange (Ellsworth High School) and Molly Lipton (Ann Arbor/Pioneer High School) playing in their final home game led Olivet with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Sophomore center Amanda Johnston (Mt. Morris/Genessee High School) joined them in double figures with 12 points. Porter grabbed a team-best eight rebounds.

Emily Creachbaum paced three Belles in double digits with 15 points. Bridget Boyce and Bridget Lipke added 11 points apiece.