Romeoville, Ill. – The Lewis University women's basketball team jumps back into first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division with a 62-50 victory over McKendree on Saturday (Feb. 16) at Neil Carey Arena. Earlier in the day, Indianapolis defeated Kentucky Wesleyan at home, 75-64. 

The Flyers, extending their home winning streak to nine games, improve to 18-5 on the year and 11-4 in the GLVC while the Bearcats fall to 7-16 on the season and 2-13 in league play.

"We came out with great defensive intensity today," Lewis head women's basketball coach Lisa Carlsen said. "In the first thirty minutes of the game, we were able to use our defense to establish a lead and build a nice cushion for the rest of the game."

In the first half, Lewis' post-players over powered McKendree, pouring in 28 points in the paint led by sophomore forward Jess Reinhart (Normal, Ill./Bloomington Central Catholic) (Normal, Ill./Bloomington Central Catholic) with eight points. 

Lewis also won the battle on the boards in the opening half, pulling down 29 rebounds to McKendree's 18.

The Flyers held the Bearcats to 18.2%  (6-for-33) from the field to take a 30-13 lead in to the locker room. 

In the second half, Lewis kept up the pressure on the defensive, getting a season-high three blocks each from Reinhart and freshman forward Mariyah Henley (Skokie, Ill/Niles North). The Flyers reached a game-high 27-point lead at 11:56 on a Reinhart layup. 

Reinhart led all players with 19 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Senior Labrenthia Murdock (Round Lake, Ill./Round Lake) (Round Lake, Ill./Round Lake) added 13 points, five rebounds and three steals. Henley chipped in seven points, 10 boards and three blocks. 

Liz Gilman led the Bearcats with 14 points and five rebounds. 

Lewis returns to GLVC action when they host Indianapolis on Thursday (Feb. 21) at Neil Carey Arena. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM.