GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Calvin Knights reopened conference play with a dominating 68-34 victory over the Olivet Comets on Saturday afternoon. 

Calvin never trailed, opening the game with an early 17-6 lead.  Jill Thomas contributed two early three's and Carissa Verkaik posted two blocks in the opening five minutes to bolster Calvin's advantage.  Defensively, Calvin also forced seven Comet turnovers and 20.8% shooting from the field.  The Knights entered halftime with a 40-18 lead. 

The second half was more of the same.  Though the Knights only scored 28 second half points, they held the Comets to 16, leaving the final score at 68-34. 

Everyone on the Knights' roster chipped in at least nine minutes.  The scoring also showed good balance.  Six players scored more than five points.  Verkaik put up a double-double in the first half alone and finished with 16 points and 15 boards. 

Eight three-pointers helped create an inside-outside threat that Coach John Ross thought critical. 

"All of those three's were from the inside-out.  If we can knock down three's that's going to open up the post," said Ross.

The victory was the first since returning from a California road trip where the Knights finished 1-1.  It advances Calvin's record to 10-3 overall and 5-0 in the MIAA.