The Carthage College women's basketball team (3-1, 0-0 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin), ranked 12th in the "D3hoops.com" pre-season poll, defeated Lake Forest College (0-4), 80-59, on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Sports Center in Lake Forest, Ill.

Carthage never trailed in the game.  The Lady Reds spurted out to a 25-point lead, 36-11 at 3:52, led by as much as 29 points in the first half, and had a 25-point bulge at the break, 42-17.  The Foresters got no closer than 15 points in the second half, as the Lady Reds cruised to a 21-point victory, 80-59.

Carthage 48 percent (32-67), including just three-of-15 from three-point range.  Lake Forest connected at just a 37 percent rate (23-62) and hit just three-of-19 from three-point range.  Carthage had a 44-36 rebounding edge.  Four Lady Reds starters scored in double figures, with Michelle Wenzel (Sr., Darien, Wis./Delavan-Darien) leading the way with 19 points on seven-of-10 field goals, five-of-six free throws and five rebounds.  Stephanie Kuzmanic (Sr., Mount Prospect, Ill./Wheeling) had 13 points and nine assists, Kristi Schmidt (Sr., Bloomington, Ill./Normal-Community) 13 points and seven rebounds, and Haley Stercic (Sr., Chicago, Ill./Marist) added 10 points with four boards.  The Forester's Sam Schuring scored a game-high 21 points on nine-of-14 shooting.

"Excellent defensive start to the game helped us get out to a nice lead at halftime." said Carthage coach Tim Bernero. "We could have executed a little better on the defensive end in the second half, but overall, it was a solid team effort. We have two more road games before we get a chance to play at home for a stretch"

Carthage travels to Angola, Ind., on Tuesday, Nov. 26 to play Trine University (0-3) in a 6 p.m., EST game at the Busse Athletic & Recreation Center in Angola, Ind.