Hillsdale 71, Findlay 57


December 8, 2011 - Playing with impressive grit and intensity, the Hillsdale College women's basketball team broke into the win column in conference play for the first time this season Thursday night.

The Chargers played with excellent balance in handing the University of Findlay a 71-57 defeat at Jesse Philips Arena to improve its record to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in the GLIAC. The Chargers will host Lake Superior State University Saturday afternoon for a 1 p.m. contest.

All five starters scored in double figures for Hillsdale, who engaged with the Oilers in a game played hard at both ends of the floor from start to finish. The Chargers' consistency showed in the half-by-half scores. Hillsdale held a 35-28 lead over the Oilers at halftime, and outscored the visitors 36-29 in the second half.

Although Findlay outrebounded Hillsdale 45-33, the Chargers more than made up for that with a plus-five edge in turnovers (18-23) and their 3-point shooting. Hillsdale connected on 10-of-25 shots from beyond the arc, outscoring the Oilers by 12 points in that department.

Junior Lea Jones and senior Chelsea Harrison (pictured) shared scoring lead honors for the Chargers with 18 each. Jones drained four 3-point shots and had six rebounds, while Harrison set a new season-high with seven assists. Harrison's decision-making with the basketball was also a big plus for the Chargers in this game.

Sophomore guard Marissa DeMott scored 12, as did senior Katie Bildner. Sophomroe Angela Bisaro had 10 points and two blocked shots for the Chargers.

The team's starters scored 70 of 71 total points in the ballgame.