Mount's women's basketball team reels in second straight victory with 70-60 win over Earlham College

The Lions' women's basketball team got off to a rough start against the Quakers Saturday afternoon before taking over in the second half to claim their second straight victory and move to 2-5 overall, 2-0 in the HCAC. The Mount had four scorers in double digits and held Earlham's top two scorers to a total of 12 points en route to their 70-60 win over Earlham College. The Lions are back in action next Saturday at Anderson University. Tip-off begins at 1:00 p.m. 

The Lions were down 32-27 heading into half after shooting 34 percent from the field, but the Mount came out in the second half rejuvinated and took over the game. A hot start and tenacious defense helped the Mount outscore the Quakers 43-28 in the second half. The Lions began the second half on a 12-2 run in the first three minutes of the half to attain a 39-34 lead. The Mount took advantage of their size advantage in the post and worked the ball down low to Katie Jo Collins (Cincinnati, OH/Mercy) and Rachel Blevins (Middletown, OH/Madison) who scored the first nine points of the second half for the Lions.

The Mount would find its largest lead halfway through the second half, 50-39. The Lions' defense held the Quakers to nine points through the first 11 and a half minutes of the second half before Earlham tried to mount a comeback at the 8:29 mark getting as close to within four points of the Mount, but never regaining the lead. The Lions finished the half just as they started it going on a 12-6 run in the final three and a half mintues.

Collins finished with her second straight double-double, 12 points and 12 boards. Shelbi Benzinger (Covington, KY/Scott) also finished with 12 points and contributed four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes off the bench. Benzinger scored seven of the Lions' final 12 points. Erica Miknius (Cincinnati, OH/Oak Hills) dropped 11 points and came away with three steals. Melanie Monahan (Mason, OH/Bishop Fenwick) also scored in double digits with 10 points and led the Mount with 30 minutes of action.