By Sports Information Student Assistant Mark DeHaan

Days after posting a 72-59 victory over rival Hope, the Knights were back in action, this time playing host to the Alma Scots. Calvin, ranked fourth in the nation in Division III, came into the game 13-0 and 6-0 in the MIAA while the Scots came in 4-10 overall and 2-3 in the MIAA.

Calvin remained unbeaten, defeating Alma 86-44 Wednesday night at Van Noord Arena.

Calvin jumped out to a 7-0 lead off of five early free throws, four of which came from junior Ally Wolffis. After not attempting a free throw in the first half against Hope, Calvin attacked the basket against Alma, making their way into the bonus with 12:48 remaining in the opening period.

With 8:17 left, Alma closed the gap to 25-17, its closest since the opening minutes of the game.
Calvin responded with a 5-0 run to build the lead 30-17, and wouldn't look back.

The Knights would close out the half leading 47-30, their highest first half point total all season. At the break, junior Carissa Verkaik had 20 points and seven rebounds. The Knights as a team shot 16-of-22 from the free throw line and 14-of-28 from the field while holding the Scots to 32.3% field goal percentage.

Calvin opened the second half on a 6-0 run to 53-30. Alma responded to close the gap to 58-38 before stifling Calvin defense held the Scots without points over the next eight minutes. Over that time period, the Knights extended their lead to 74-38.

Head Coach John Ross would sub in all the players, giving each player on the team at least seven minutes of playing time. The Knights finished the final five minutes on a 10-4 run, including a pair of three point shots by sophomore guard Shelby Sheehan, en route to an 86-44 victory.

The Knights were led on offense by Verkaik, who finished with 26 points and nine rebounds, six on the offensive boards. Freshmen Kayla Engelhard had eight points, six rebounds, and four assists while junior Julia Hilbrands added 15 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

The Scots were led by sophomore guard Brittney Deerfield who had 10 points. Junior Danielle Hicks added nine points and eight rebounds while freshmen Mallory Pruett also added nine points.

Calvin held Alma to 15-for-56 from the field and 3-for-17 from three point range. The Knights shot 58.8%

The win sends Calvin to 14-0 overall and 7-0 in the MIAA while dropping Alma to 4-11 and 2-4 in conference. Calvin will next be in action Saturday when it travels to Rochester College for a 3 p.m. non-conference contest.