December 5, 2009 - After an 0-4 start to the 2009-10 regular season, the Hillsdale College women's basketball team now finds itself all alone in first place in the GLIAC South Division.

The Chargers completed a 2-0 road weekend in conference play with a 76-66 win over Saginaw Valley State University Saturday evening in University Center. Hillsdale is now 2-4 overall, and is off for a week, before it plays Ferris State in its home opener Dec. 12.

Winning on the road in the GLIAC is never easy, and the Chargers were able to navigate their way through the conference schedule's first road weekend with two wins.

In Saturday's win over SVSU, Hillsdale charged out to a 29-11 lead in the game's first nine minutes. The great start was sparked by the 3-point shooting of sophomore Chelsea Harrison, who nailed three 3-point baskets during Hillsdale's strong start.

The Cardinals used a 13-3 run to get back into the ballgame, and played the Chargers tight throughout. Hillsdale held a 39-32 lead at halftime, and despite being threatened by the home team, the Chargers never trailed in the second half.

Sagianw Valley State closed the deficit to 65-60 with a little more than five minutes left in the game. But Hillsdale's defense shut down the Cardinals, holding them to one point over the next four minutes of the game. In that time, Hillsdale's lead expanded from five to 11 points, closing out the win.

Balance was the key offensively for the Chargers, as four players scored in double figures. Senior Brooke Knight was the team's high scorer with 17 points to go along with six assists and three steals. She dished out five of her six assists during the team's 29-11 run to open the ballgame.

Junior Laura Barczak played a strong game in the paint, recording a double-double (14 points, 12 rebounds) for Hillsdale. Senior Janay Miller added 16 points to the Charger attack, while Harrison finished with 11.

To view the stats from Saturday's game, click on the link below.

Chargers 76, Saginaw Valley State 66