WALTHAM, MA – Junior forward Erin Hollinger (Chardon, OH/Chardon) scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the Case Western Reserve University women's basketball team defeated Brandeis University, 49-45, on Sunday, February 13 at Red Auerbach Arena.

With their second straight win, the Spartans improve to 12-10 overall and 6-5 in the University Athletic Association. Brandeis falls to 11-11 and 3-8 UAA.

In addition to Hollinger, senior forward Caitlin Henry (Fairfax, VA/Robinson) scored 15 points and is now just 13 away from 1,000 for her career.

Both offenses struggled early and Brandeis built a 12-8 lead following a Mia DePalo layup with 5:46 left in the first half. The Spartans tied the score at 16 apiece when sophomore point guard Erica Iafelice (North Canton, OH/Hoover) hit a layup at 1:18, but Brandeis was able to score four straight to lead 20-16 at the break.  

Brandeis' lead grew to a high of six when DePalo hit the first basket of the second half, but the Spartans answered with a 13-4 run and led 33-26 when Henry completed a three-point play at 12:13. Case's lead grew to a high of nine, at 39-30, following a deep three-pointer by Henry with 8:02 left to play.

The Judges pulled to within three, at 43-40, following a Kasey Dean layup at 3:27, but the Spartans were able to regroup and finish the game on a 6-2 run to secure the win.

The Spartans return to action next Friday, February 18 versus Emory University (GA) at 6:00 p.m. The game is designated as a Pink Zone event, with all proceeds going to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. In addition, Case Western Reserve will hold its annual Provost Pizza night, with free pizza for all fans in attendance.