The host Lady Eagles (7-3), who received a vote in the NAIA Division II poll a week ago, took an early 8-2 lead as the Lady Cougars (6-1) struggled out of the gate with missed shots, missed free throws, and turnovers as Cincinnati Christian began the game on top.

Finally, freshman forward Emily Steveley (left) nailed a three-pointer to end the drought for MVNU as the Lady Cougars, who are No. 29 in the latest NAIA Division II poll with 45 points, outscored the Lady Eagles 31-10 over the rest of the half to take a 33-18 lead at the break.

"We went to the locker room at half holding a 33-18 lead due in large part to very inspired defensive play,” said MVNU coach Steve Gregory. "I also think that the three-game week got to (Cincinnati Christian) as our transition game got us many uncontested layups late in the half to stake us to a comfortable lead.”

Junior post Amanda Himes led MVNU with 14 points and six rebounds in the first half, while sophomore guard Gabby Fowler came off the bench to score five points. Sophomore point guard Sierra Fletcher also grabbed seven rebounds, handed out four assists, and registered four steals in the first half. The Lady Cougars shot 41.9 percent from the field (13-for-31), 25 percent from three-point range (3-for-12), and just 36.4 percent from the free throw line (4-for-11).

Sabrina Wynn led Cincinnati Christian with five points and four rebounds in the first half, while Katie Comello added four points. The Lady Eagles shot just 17.1 percent from the field (6-for-35), 9.1 percent from three-point range (1-for-11), and 62.5 percent from the free throw line (5-for-8).

MVNU never let the home team back in the game as the Lady Cougars would go on to outscore Cincinnati Christian 44-28 in the second half on the way to posting the convincing 77-46 victory.

"The second half began much like the first half ended,” said Gregory. "We got numerous easy transition buckets. Our guards did an awesome job of looking up the floor and finding open people. Our free throw shooting was also much improved in the second half.”

Himes matched her season high with 27 points as she went 11-for-16 from the field while also grabbing 11 rebounds. Fletcher added 10 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals, while junior guard Lauren Johnson also scored 10 points and dished out four assists. Junior forward Kellie Jokela tossed in seven points, and Steveley, Fowler, and freshman guard Jessi Drayer each scored five points apiece with Steveley grabbing seven rebounds. MVNU shot 43.8 percent from the field (28-for-64), 28.6 percent from three-point range (6-for-21), and 57.7 percent from the free throw line (15-for-26).

"Sierra's shot wasn't falling today, but her value still showed as she filled out the stat sheet,” said Gregory. "I would add that her defensive effort was tremendous. Amanda got many easy looks in transition and also scored with her back to the basket. Courtney (Swart) also benefitted with some good passes from our guards with over the top passes when (Cincinnati Christian) fronted.”

"Lauren also made some very nice plays in transition which contributed to the lopsided win,” Gregory added. "We didn't shoot it well from three-point range, but we had six different people step up and knock shots down from beyond the arc which is a compliment to the fact that we have a lot of weapons from the perimeter.”

Cincinnati Christian did not have anyone reach double figures in points as Comello, Wynn, and Gladys Dudley led the Lady Eagles with nine points each. Eunika Hisle also led Cincinnati Christian with eight rebounds. The Lady Eagles shot 22.7 percent from the field overall (15-for-66), 11.1 percent from three-point range (2-for-18), and 66.7 percent from the free throw line (14-for-21). Cincinnati Christian also committed 23 turnovers and recorded just one assist.

MVNU will close out the 2009 portion of the team’s schedule next weekend at the Defiance College Tournament. The Lady Cougars will take on Wilmington College next Friday at 6:00 p.m. in the first round.