By Mark DeHaan
The Calvin women's basketball team hosted an MIAA Tournament semi-final on Wednesday evening as the league's top seed. The Knights faced the four seed, the Comets of Olivet College.
Although the game was tight seven minutes into the contest with Calvin leading just 9-6, an offensive surge by the Knights, including a 20-4 run, put the game firmly in Calvin's favor.
The Comets did not come within single-digits the remainder of the contest, and the Knights claimed an 88-54 victory. Calvin advances to the league tournament final on Saturday, which will be played at Van Noord Arena at 3:00 p.m.
Olivet took a 4-0 lead out of the gate, forcing Calvin into a few early turnovers and some tough shots.
The Knights were able to take the lead, and with 13:12 to go, held a lead at 9-6 but were well-below their typical offensive output.
Over the next six minutes, a 21-6 run saw the Knights boost their lead to 30-12.
Calvin then took a 57-21 lead at halftime. Junior Tiffany Karger led all scorers with 12 points at the break on 4-for-4 shooting from three-point range. Senior Hannah Acre added 11 points. Calvin's first half scoring output established a new MIAA Tournament record for most points by a team in the first half.
In the second half, the Knights cruised, holding off the Comets as head coach John Ross saw contributions from every member of his squad.
Calvin shot an impressive 60.4%, including 15-of-26 for 57.7% from three-point range. Olivet was held to 34.4% shooting. The Comets out-rebounded the Knights 38-35. Calvin's 15 three-pointers matched an MIAA Tournament single-game record originally set by Trine in a 2005 game against Alma.
Acre finished with 16 points, also leading Calvin with seven rebounds. Karger ended with 12, while senior Breanna Verkaik scored nine.
For Olivet, Carli Reid scored 13 points while Stefanie Lang added 12 points and 10 rebounds.
"Our first four or five possessions we turned the ball over three or four times and we didn't get a good look, they defended us really well," said head coach John Ross. "We were happy with how hard we played, it was nice to get a lead where we could rest our players, and yet get our bench nearly ten minutes each tonight."
Calvin improved to 26-0 overall with the win, ending Olivet's season at 14-12 overall.
The Knights advance to the MIAA Tournament Final on Saturday, hosting it at Van Noord Arena at 3:00 p.m.
With Hope College defeating Kalamazoo College 62-48 in the other semi-final, Calvin will face-off with the Flying Dutch in the championship match.