The Oglethorpe women's basketball team found themselves in a battle Saturday afternoon at Dorough Field House, but pulled away in the end for a 67-59 victory over previously undefeated Rhodes to improve to 3-0 on the season. With the win, the Stormy Petrels extended their winning streak to 20 games over SAA teams in all competitions, and 30 games overall dating back to November 2019.

Rhodes proved able to hold the Petrels in check for much of the game, holding the home side to just 33.3 percent from the field over the course of the game. They also held senior center Savannah LeGate, the reigning SAA Player of the Week, in check, as she was in foul trouble for much of the first half and only collected 7 points and three rebounds. However, the Petrels were outstanding on the defensive end of the court, holding the Lynx to just 29.7 percent from the field. LeGate picked up a couple of blocks for her defensive efforts and the Petrels held Rhodes star Kiera Downey to 14 points on just 4-of-17 from the field. 

The Petrels got very good performances from sophomore guard Amy Vazquez and junior guard Nikki Reed. Vazquez finished with a team-high 12 points while collecting four assists and four steals. Reed added 11 points and five rebounds. Senior forward Sydni Donovan tied for a team-high seven rebounds while also scoring 6 points, and sophomore guard Sarah Plemons also collected seven rebounds while scoring 5 points.

After a push-and-pull first half ended with Oglethorpe ahead 29-26, Rhodes built a 47-41 lead late in the third quarter. After a 3-pointer from freshman guard Carly Henderson, the visitors led 47-44 going into the final 10 minutes. 

Dating to that Henderson basket, the Petrels embarked on a 15-3 run which lasted through the first 4:30 of the fourth quarter, pushing out to a 56-50 lead with 5:50 remaining. Rhodes cut it back to a 1-point game, 56-55, with 4:30 on the clock, but Oglethorpe responded by finishing the game on an 11-4 run.

The Petrels will be back in action Sunday afternoon, when they finish their two-game set with Rhodes from Dorough Field House. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.