THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Albion College played outstanding defense for 20 minutes in its 57-43 victory over William Smith (N.Y) College on the opening night of the Posada Royale Holiday Classic at California Lutheran University.

The Britons limited William Smith to two first half field goals and it kept the Herons scoreless for an eight-minute stretch as they jumped out to a 35-8 halftime lead and coasted from there for the 13-point victory. It was the fifth victory in a row for the Britons who improved to 6-5 overall.

Albion never trailed as Patty Rewa grabbed the rebound off her missed jumper and sank the layup on the first possession of the game. Rewa tacked on another layup and Lauren Epple knocked down a jumper in the lane as Albion scored the first six points of the contest.

Erin O'Brien hit a pair of free throws for William Smith to cut the margin to nine, 15-6, with 11 minutes to play in the first half, but the Herons endured a scoring drought from there as they missed nine shots from the field and committed seven turnovers.

Albion went on a 14-0 scoring binge to build a 23-point lead, 29-6, with three minutes left in the first half. Nicole Dennis scored eight of her 14 points during the run, sinking two baskets and four free throws.

Albion shot 23 percent from the field in the second half, but the Britons maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

Dennis and Rewa posted double-doubles in points and rebounds. Dennis grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds to post her first career double-double. Dennis also dished out six assists. Rewa, who was 8-of-12 from the field, posted a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season.

Brett de Bear was the third Briton to score in double figures, finishing with 10.

O'Brien led the Herons with 15 points.

Albion will close out 2011 Saturday when it squares off against Northwestern (Minn.) College. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Pacific Time.