MVNU (9-0) got off to a slow start in the first half as the Lady Cougars shot just 37.1 percent from the field (13-for-35) and 9.1 percent from three-point range (1-for-11). However, the Celtics (0-8) managed to shoot just 28.0 percent (7-for-25) from the field as MVNU took a 34-20 lead to the break.

“We started out very sluggish in the first half and struggled to put good plays together,” said MVNU coach Steve Gregory. “(Carlow) went to a zone and we failed to attack it relentlessly and therefore knew we would see a lot more of it in the second half.”

MVNU improved its shooting to 50.0 percent from the floor (19-for-38) in the second half as the Lady Cougars finally began to pull away from Carlow. Sophomore post Amanda Himes finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while freshman forward Amanda Harkins tossed in a career-high 19 points to go with seven rebounds. Senior wing Bethany Hughes (left) also poured in a career-high 18 points off the bench, while freshman guard Ashley Jessie contributed a career-high seven points off the bench.

“Our second half execution was much better,” said Gregory. “We were much more patient and got some great looks. Our defense forced a lot of turnovers tonight, and we made plays virtually the entire second half.

“Alexis was tremendous,” said Gregory. “She really stepped up her offensive prowess and converted a lot of plays. Bethany had a breakout game and did it all tonight as her numbers suggest. Amanda got in some foul trouble yet still managed to put up great numbers for her limited minutes. She also made some very nice kick outs for open looks on the perimeter for our guards. Very unselfish play tonight and an inspired second half were all the keys for us tonight.”

The Lady Cougars finished the game shooting 43.8 percent from the field (32-for-73), 25.0 percent from three-point range (6-for-24), and 72.7 percent from the free throw line (16-for-22). MVNU also forced 32 turnovers and committed just 12 turnovers.

Carlow was led by Sarah McAteer with nine points and six rebounds, while Amanda Szanca added eight points. The Celtics shot 22.4 percent from the floor (11-for-49), 25.0 percent from three-point range (4-for-16), and 84.2 percent from the free throw line (16-for-19).

MVNU will return to action at Ohio Dominican on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. when the Lady Cougars will square off with the University of Cincinnati-Clermont.