Box score

February 19, 2011 – The Hillsdale College women’s basketball team took a big step closer to another trip to the GLIAC tournament with its third straight decisive win Saturday afternoon.

The Chargers whipped Saginaw Valley State University 70-40 at Jesse Philips Arena, improving to 16-7 overall and 10-7 in the GLIAC. Thanks to Ashland’s loss at Northern Michigan later Saturday, Hillsdale is now tied with the Eagles for second place in the South Division, just one game behind division leader, as well as Thursday’s opponent Findlay.

The Chargers put forward an outstanding defensive effort, suffocating and frustrating the Cardinals offense throughout the game. SVSU shot just 22 percent (6-for-27) from the floor in the first half as Hillsdale ran up a 32-14 lead after the first 20 minutes. Hillsdale also held the Cardinals to 2-for-18 shooting from 3-point land, and the Cardinals missed eight of their 10 free throws in the game.

At the other end, balance was the key to the Chargers’ offensive performance. Ten different players scored points, and seven had at least five points or more. While 12 points might seem like a modest total to lead the team, it was produced by the one graduating senior on this year’s team.

Senior forward Laura Barczak (pictured) was honored on Senior Day with a pregame ceremony, then went out and recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes. She also dished out three assists in a game that’s been typical of her fine play throughout the season.

Guards Chelsea Harrison and Marissa DeMott each scored 11 for the Chargers. Sophomore guard Lea Jones was close to a double-double, with nine points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Sophomore Kelsey Raczak popped in eight points off the bench for Hillsdale.

Hillsdale outrebounded Saginaw Valley State 45-33 in the game and held a 20-10 scoring edge in points off turnovers.

The Chargers are 4-1 over their past five games, and now have a showdown with Findlay Thursday night with first place in the GLIAC South Division on the line. The Oilers rallied to beat Ferris State on Saturday, and will surely be looking to avenge an 86-46 loss to the Chargers in Hillsdale back on Jan. 20. With wins in its final two games of the regular season, Hillsdale can claim the South Division championship for the 2010-11 season.