Box Score ST. PAUL – An early run started the Northwestern College women's basketball team on a high-action note, and the pace continued as the Eagles earned their fifth consecutive victory in an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) matchup with Crown College. NWC led 48-13 at halftime on its way to a 76-43 final margin.



Courtney Cunard (Missouri Valley, Iowa/Missouri Valley) found Jessica Fife (Maple Grove, Minn./Osseo) for Northwestern's first bucket just 11 seconds after tipoff, jumpstarting an offensive effort that led to the Eagles posting the first 10 points on the scoreboard. Cunard, Hannah Holm (Charlotte, N.C./GRACE School), and Chanel Madson (Westbrook, Minn./Westbrook-Walnut Grove) each had a hand in the rally, all taking place within the first five minutes of play.

The momentum continued to roll in NWC's favor as the squad outscored its opponent 38-9 in the opening 15 minutes of play. During that stride, Mollie Sir (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood) continued in her sharp-shooting ways, going 4-4 beyond the arc in the first half alone. A key component of the Eagle offense, movement of the ball, also proved to be a successful component of the half as the home team on the scoreboard racked up 13 assists in the first 20 minutes of action. After controlling the flow of the game for much of the opening period, the Storm began to fight back and brought the game to 43-18 in Northwestern's favor at the half.

NWC wasted no time getting on the board in the second 20 minutes as Sir drained another three at the 19:27 mark to kick off the period. Before long the Purple and Gold were on another roll, outscoring Crown 12-0 in less than three minutes to take a 62-21 lead with 13:55 left to play. The Storm kept countering the Eagle offensive efforts with scoring of its own, but Northwestern kept up with the trend, maintaining control of the contest.

Upon the conclusion of the contest the Eagles had picked up a 76-43 victory, with 11 different players posting at least two points and 14 bringing in at least one board. Mollie Sir (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood) led the charge for the home team scoring 24 points on 8-13 shooting and a 6-8 mark from long-range. Also picking up double-digit recognition were Madson with a scoring total of 14, Fife with 11 of her own, and Cunard, who racked up 10 rebounds.

As a team, Northwestern (13-7, 8-1 UMAC), shot 45.9% from the floor and  posted a .421 success rate from behind the arc while also holding Crown to a .259 overall final field goal rate.

Next up for the Eagles is a contest with the University of Minnesota Morris, currently sitting atop the league standings. NWC's final regular season home game will get underway at 3 p.m. at the Ericksen Center.