Kessler Sets New Career High in Win Against Olivet
Box Score
NOTRE DAME, IN – Alison Kessler scored a career best 33 points as Saint Mary’s knocked off Olivet 81-72 Wednesday night in MIAA basketball action.
The win ups the Belles record to 9-10 overall and 8-4 in MIAA play while Olivet falls to 9-9 and 6-5 respectively. The victory keeps Saint Mary’s in third-place as they increase their lead in the standings to a 1 1/2 game edge over Olivet who stays in fourth place.
It is also the first time ever that Saint Mary’s has won four consecutive MIAA games. The Belles officially joined the league during the 1998-99 season.
In the opening half Olivet held their last lead of the game at 11-10 with 13:52 remaining in the first session. The Belles held a 33-20 scoring advantage the rest of the first half in taking a 43-31 lead at intermission.
The Comets got their deficit down to seven points at 52-45 with 12:58 remaining in the contest. Saint Mary’s responded with a 15-2 scoring spurt over the next 4:13 as they held a 65-47 lead with 8:45 left in the game. Olivet never got closer than the final outcome the rest of the way.
Kessler went 8-for-14 from the field and 14-of-15 from the charity stripe during her 33-point effort. Her 14 made foul shots are also a new personal high. Erin Newsom posted her straight double-double, and fourth of the season, with a 16-point, 11-rebound performance. Bridge Lipke also had 16 points while dishing off a team best five assists.
Audrey Graham had a team high 17 points in loss for the Comets.
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