BOX SCORE

(JOLIET, Ill., Nov. 17)—The McKendree College women’s basketball team was defeated in non-conference play Friday at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., 96-75.

 

The host Lady Saints connected on 16 three-point field goals and forced the Bearcats into 28 turnovers to remain undefeated at home this season. McKendree was handed its first loss of 2006-07, dropping to 3-1 on the year. The Bearcats will be in Chicago on Saturday for a 4 p.m. contest at Saint Xavier University.

 

Senior forward Emily Hart (Columbia, Ill./Columbia) (Columbia, Ill./Columbia) led McKendree with 19 points, 14 of which came in the first half. Junior forward Heather Elders (Energy, Ill./Herrin) (Energy, Ill./Herrin) chipped in with 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while sophomore forward Emily Best (Wood River, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) (Worden, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) came off the bench to post 10 points. Senior guard Katie Hasheider (Okawville, Ill./Okawville) (Okawville, Ill./Okawville) dished out a team-leading seven assists for the Bearcats.

 

St. Francis (4-2) used an 11-3 run to build a 25-12 lead midway through the first half. The Lady Saints maintained a 13-point advantage at the half, 51-38, then outscored McKendree 13-5 over the first three minutes of the second half to put the contest out of reach.

 

Jacqie Storm led St. Francis with 22 points, while Katie Carls added 20 points.