Nov. 15 – STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Bethany College women's basketball team collected their first win of the year by defeating Franciscan University, 71-57, on Saturday afternoon.

The Bison spotted the Lady Barons an 8-0 lead in the first four minutes of action as Bethany looked to grab their bearings.

Bethany would answer with a run of their own, going on a 21-8 outburst to take a 21-18 lead at the 9-minute mark of the first frame. Sophomore Hayley Holenka (Shadyside, Ohio/Shadyside) led the bison with eight points, while freshman Kelsea Daugherty (Newport, Ohio/Frontier) added six.

The Green & White would then close the first frame, outscoring the hosts 18-16 en route to a 39-34 intermission advantage.

Bethany was led at the half by Holenka, who making her first Bison start, notched 17 points on six-of-nine shooting. Sophomore Lauren Simpson (Washington, Pa./Trinity) and Daugherty added six points apiece.

The Bison would start the second frame strong, as they went on a 13-9 strong over the first 12 minutes to open up their lead to nine points (52-43). The run was spearheaded by sophomore Carly Grady (Keyser, W.Va./Keyser), who notched four points over the span.

After Franciscan closed the gap to six points (56-50) with 6:28 to play, the Bison then went on a 15-6 en route to the 71-57 triumph.

Leading the Bison charge included Holenka, Grady and Simpson. Holenka posted a career-high 19 points to go along with three assists and three rebounds. Grady also had a career day, collecting 14 points and six boards. Simpson registered four three-point shots on her way to a 14-point output.

Others that played well included Daugherty and junior Mikyla Tipton (Wellsville, Ohio/Wellsville). Daugherty scored eight points in her Bison debut, while Tipton six points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Bison will look to grab win number two on Tuesday, November 18 as they play host to non-conference foe Muskingum University. The home opener is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.