Lions' women's basketball team records first win of the season with a 66-58 home victory over Bluffton University

The College of Mount St. Joseph found itself down by eight points at the half tonight, but shot a blistering 73 percent from the field in the second 20 minutes of action en route to a 66-58 HCAC home win over Bluffton University. The Mount, 1-4, overall, 1-1 in the conference, will host HCAC-rival Anderson University on Dec. 4.

The Lions shot only 27 percent in the first half and trailed by eight points at the half before breaking out of their shooting woes. They scored off various baseline and foul line drives to the basket early in the second half, and finally grabbed the lead at 45-44 when Carolyn Holt (Cincinnati, OH/Colerain) scored inside the lane at the 10:29 mark. After a 53-all tie, the Mount seized control of the game going up 63-56 thanks to numerous scoring sources. Shelby Benzinger (Covington, KY/Scott) converted a three-point play with 2:24 remaining to put the Mount ahead, 60-54. The Lions got 19 points in the second half from their bench. They also forced 12 second half turnovers.

Benzinger led four Lions' players in double figures, finishing with 16 points (on six-of-10 shooting) while Kat O'Neill (Burlington, KY/Conner) added 12 points and seven rebounds. Holt chipped in 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds while Abby LaRosa (Cincinnati, OH/Mercy) added 10 points and five assists.