ALBION, Mich. – Fourth-ranked Calvin College was pushed in its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener Wednesday, but it outscored Albion College 12-6 over the final six minutes to earn a 69-60 victory at Kresge Gymnasium.
Albion pulled to within three, 57-54, when Madeline Winters knocked down the first of a two-shot free throw opportunity.
Kelsey Irwin buried a "three" and Carissa Verkaik converted an old-fashioned three-point play as the Knights extended the margin to 63-54 with 4:25 left.
Albion got within five as Taylor Nugent scored a pair of free throws to make the score 65-60 with 2:49 on the clock. Julia Hilbrands sank a jumper on Calvin's next possession and Jill Thomas added a pair of free throws to account for the final points of the evening.
It looked like Albion was in trouble when Patty Rewa, one of the MIAA's leading scorers at 20 ½ points per game, sat down after picking up her second foul a little more than five minutes into the game. Verkaik scored seven of her 16 points to lead Calvin on a 20-4 run and a 27-11 edge with seven minutes left in the first half. Calvin went on to hold a 42-30 lead at halftime.
Albion chipped away at the deficit in the second half. Nugent scored a pair of three-point baskets to pull the Britons within seven, 45-38, with 16 ½ minutes remaining. Nicole Dennis' "three" trimmed the margin to 54-50 with nine minutes left. Dennis led all players with 18 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 6-of-10 from the line.
"Playing a nationally-ranked team like DePauw has given us confidence because our kids know they can play with quality opponents," Albion Coach Doreen Carden said. "I'm proud we didn't fold. I can see us getting better."
Hilbrands led Calvin with 17 points, Verkaik posted her 30th career double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Jill Thomas finished with 12.
Despite playing with foul trouble, Rewa collected her fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Nugent scored 11 to reach double figures for the second consecutive game.