Nov. 26, 2005

Box Score

ALLENDALE, Mich. - A late 8-0 run lifted the Lewis University women's basketball team to a 66-63 non-conference victory over Grand Valley State Saturday in Grand Valley's Days Inn Classic.

The victory, an important one on the road against an NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region opponent, evened the Flyers' record at 2-2. Grand Valley State fell to 3-2.

Trailing 56-55 with 5:26 to play, Lewis embarked on the decisive 8-0 spurt. Darcee Schmidt (Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem)'s layup, assisted by Shante Glenn and following Glenn's offensive rebound, provided the 21st lead change of the back-and-forth battle and gave the Flyers the lead for good with 3:25 left.

Schmidt gathered a missed 3-point try on Grand Valley's next possession and fed Mary Moskal for a fast-break layup. Moskal grabbed an offensive rebound and scored with 1:51 remaining.

After the teams traded missed shots, Schmidt's steal led to two Glenn free throws for a 63-56 Flyer cushion, the largest lead of the night for either team, with :39 to play. Grand Valley drew to within five points twice, but a 3-pointer with :03 left proved too little, too late.

There were five ties and 12 lead changes in the first half, which ended with Grand Valley holding a 34-33 lead. The Lakers' 14-9 edge at the 14:52 mark was the biggest lead of the half for either team.

Lewis won the rebounding battle 39-34, including 13 offensive boards, and outscored Grand Valley 12-5 at the foul line. The Lakers attempted just six free throws and were limited to a dismal 23 percent (6-of-26) from 3-point range, including 15 percent (2-of-13) in the second half.

Moskal led all scorers with a season-high 18 points. Glenn tallied 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals, Kelly Dianis (4-of-6 from 3-point range) scored 14 points, Schmidt had nine points, a game-high nine rebounds and three steals, and Brittney Diener chipped in seven rebounds and four assists.

Grand Valley was led by Niki Reams (14 points), Erin Cyplik (eight rebounds) and Crystal Zick (eight assists, three steals).

Lewis opens Great Lakes Valley Conference play at home Thursday against Saint Joseph's. Game time is 5:30 p.m.