SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - McKendree University women's basketball secured its fifth Great Lakes Valley Conference win of the 2023-24 season at the University of Illinois Springfield on Thursday night. The Bearcats topped the Prairie Stars in an intense 90-84 victory.  

McKendree held the lead for the entire contest and scored over 20 points in three quarters. After 10 minutes of play the Bearcats led 23-18 and held the lead at half 49-38. Although the Prairie Stars would make a run in the fourth quarter to tie the game twice, McKendree held strong to finish out the 90-84 win.  

The Bearcats had their most efficient shooting performance of the season, netting 60 percent of shots from the field and putting up a season-high 90 points. McKendree made four three-pointers along with 20-of-23 free throws.  

Two Bearcats scored 20 or more points including senior forward Naomi McDaniel with a career-high 28 points and junior guard Clare Breden who sank 25 points. Senior guards Erin Golden and Christy Fortune each added 13 and 12 points respectively.  

On the boards, McDaniel and senior guard Maclayne Taylor grabbed seven rebounds apiece.  

McKendree head coach Kari Kerkhoff said of the win, "We continue to find a way to win and hold off opponents' runs back into our games. Our ladies never back down or get rattled; I am proud of how we continue to play strong."  

Coming up, McKendree faces Quincy on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. at Pepsi Arena in Quincy, Ill.