University Center, Mich.- The University of Findlay women's basketball team continued their trip north as they took on the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Oilers picked up a 73-66 win, remaining undefeated in the annual G-MAC/ GLIAC Crossover. With the win, Findlay improves to 2-0 on the season, the first time they have opened the season with back-to-back wins since the 2013-2014 season.
The first quarter saw back-and-forth action until the Cardinals went on an 11-5 run in the final three minutes of the quarter to take a six point lead. Down in the second quarter, Chloe Callahan made a crucial jumper three minutes in, leveling the score. The score remained tied at the half.
The Cardinals outscored Findlay 16-13 to take a three-point lead heading into the final quarter. A steal by Callahan led to a three by Janae Hoying to tie the game with nine minutes remaining. The game would continue to be back-and-forth.
With only 46 seconds left, Findlay maintained a narrow two-point lead. A foul by the Cardinals resulted in Hoying going to the free-throw line, where she extended the Oilers' lead to four points. A turnover by Saginaw granted Findlay possession again, but the home team, in a desperate attempt, fouled Hoying once more. The Findlay shooter returned to the line, sinking two additional free throws to expand the lead to six. A final free throw by Kate Ellis gave Findlay the seven point win.
Offensively, the Oilers were led by senior Kate Ellis who poured in 23 points on the afternoon, the sixth 20+ point game of her career. She connected on 5-of-10 from the floor, 2-of-2 from deep including 11-of-14 from the charity stripe. The Toledo, Ohio native also led the team in rebounds, grabbing eight boards.
Junior Janae Hoying and sophomore Alyssa Ziehler scored 17 and 15 points, respectively, while freshman MacKenzie Schulz added nine. Freshman Addisyn Freeman led the team with two assists and also grabbed six boards.
The Oilers will be back in action for their home opener against Grand Valley State on Nov. 17. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30pm.
