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RENSSELAER, Ind. – Three Flyers finished in double-digits as No. 2 Lewis women's basketball started the 2015-16 season the right way with a 65-56 victory over Saginaw Valley State on Saturday (Nov. 14). The contest was played on the campus of Saint Joseph's College as part of the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge.

Saginaw Valley State led for only 30 seconds of the contest as Lewis grew their advantage to 19 points late in the fourth quarter.

The Flyers held a 22-4 lead over the game's first 13 minutes before the Cardinals rallied back to make it a close 25-21 game at the break.

Senior Jamie Johnson (South Holland, Ill./Marian Catholic) had a game-high 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting with zero turnovers. Senior Mariyah Brawner-Henley (Skokie, Ill./Niles North) totaled 16 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman Jessica Kelliher (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha North) had 16 points in her first game a Flyer. She scored 14 points in the second half to help Lewis put the game away. She finished 8-of-9 from the free throw line.

"It was good to get the first win under our belts against a very well coached and hardnosed Saginaw Valley team," Lewis head coach Kristen Gillespie said. "Mariyah, Jamie and Jessica were outstanding. Tiana (Karopulos) was a huge spark in the second half with her rebounding and defense. There were some glimpses of our youth when it comes to staying focused on defense after we went up by 18, but overall it was a great team win."

Emily Wendling led SVSU with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Flyers shot 40.7 percent (24-of-59) from the floor while limiting the Cardinals to 35.8 percent (19-of-53) shooting.

SVSU is 0-1. Lewis is 1-0. The Flyers have a quick turnaround as Lewis plays Northwood on Sunday at 2 p.m.