Box Score

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Jan. 4, 2008) – After over a month-long hiatus from their home court, the Northwestern College women's basketball team returned to the Ericksen Center with a win, defeating Finlandia University 70-58 on Friday evening. Northwestern's hot-shooting made the difference, as the Eagles were 15-of-32 from behind the 3-point line.

Ariel Liesch (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) had a strong performance to lead NWC. The sophomore was 6-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-8 from downtown, for 21 points and 12 rebounds to record a double-double. Liesch added six assists, four blocks and two steals in the win as well.

Northwestern held a slim 34-31 lead at halftime, but the game's second 20 minutes took its toll on Finlandia, who traveled to Minnesota with seven players. The Eagles boosted their lead to as much as 16 points with 6:51 remaining in the second half. At one point in the period, NWC converted four straight 3's.

While Finlandia scored 28 points in the paint, Northwestern received 18 points from their bench – including Rachael Bohnen (Grand Marais, MN/Cook County High School) and Marcy Nelson (Sandstone, Minn./East Central), who combined for five 3-pointers.

Joining Liesch in double figures for the Eagles was Kaelee Kendrick (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy) (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy), who posted a double-double of her own with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Kelly Zuleger (Cresco, IA/Crestwood High School) (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood) made four 3's to add 14 points to Northwestern's offense.

Finlandia had three players hit double digits, led by Linzy Monticello who had 18. Ally Tincknell added 12 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double of her own in the loss.

Northwestern improves to 3-9 with the win, while Finlandia continues a long road at 2-11, having won their first two games of the season. The Eagles will resume their Upper Midwest Athletic Conference schedule on Friday, Jan. 11, when they host the College of St. Scholastica in the Ericksen Center. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.