(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 12)—The McKendree University women’s basketball team posted its first victory of the 2007-08 season with a 64-54 win Monday at home against Lincoln University.

 

Senior forward Heather Elders (Energy, Ill./Herrin) (Energy, Ill./Herrin) led the way with 15 points and game-high 10 rebounds as the Bearcats snapped their season-opening three-game losing streak. McKendree, now 1-3 on the year, will host Lindenwood University in non-conference action Wednesday at 7 p.m.

 

Freshman guard Ashley Agee (Moberly, Mo./Moberly) (Moberly, Mo./Moberly) added 14 points and three steals, while junior forward Emily Best (Wood River, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) (Wood River, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) came off the bench to add 13 points for the Bearcats.

 

McKendree relied on a strong defensive effort during Monday’s contest, holding Lincoln to just 30.9 percent shooting (21-of-68), which included a 28.2 percent clip (11-of-39) in the second half.

 

Lincoln led by as many as six points in the first half before McKendree grabbed the lead for good. The Bearcats outscored the Blue Tigers 11-2 over a four-minute span to take a 17-14 lead midway through the period. McKendree stretched its margin to five points before taking a 30-27 lead into the locker room.

 

The Bearcats scored the first eight points of the second half to take command, 38-27, with 17:55 on the clock. Lincoln rallied to within five points later in the half, but McKendree used a 16-3 spurt to grab its largest lead of the night, 57-39, with 4:23 remaining.

 

Ashlea Gray scored a game-high 24 points to lead Lincoln, while Stacey Smith contributed 10 points, nine rebounds and a game-high eight steals for the Blue Tigers.