READING, Pa. (Nov. 15, 2016) – The Drew University women's basketball opened the 2016-17 season with a resounding 65-37 win at Alvernia University on Tuesday evening, setting a new program and Landmark Conference record with 30 steals in the process.
 
By the Numbers: The Rangers improve to 1-0 for the third time in the last four seasons. Drew's 30 steals beat the previous program record by five (25 in 2002 and 2011), and the best conference steals mark by three (27 by Catholic and USMMA in 2010). Twelve different Rangers had a steal on Tuesday, with seven recording at least two.
 
Top Performers: Senior Sam Lane paced the Rangers' offense with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, with seven steals to lead the record breaking performance on the defensive end. Senior guard Courtney Trzasko shot 3-of-3 from beyond the arc for 11 total points, while freshman guard Lisa Cappiello made her Drew debut with nine points and four assists.
 
Turning Point: The Rangers took control of the game early with suffocating defensive pressure and efficient offense on the other end. The effect of Drew's press and cutting off passing lanes resulted in an astounding 28 turnovers in the first half, leading to a 35-12 lead at halftime behind an 8-0 run in the second quarter capped off by a Lane steal and a successful three-point play on the other end.
 
Coach's Corner: "I was very pleased with our effort tonight," said head coach John Olenowski, who picked up his first win as the Rangers' headman. "We played really good defense. It was also nice to see the balanced scoring on the offensive end. All in all, it was a great opening night."
 
Other Highlights: Senior guard Hannah Miller poured in nine points and added four assists, one of three Rangers to record four helpers on the night, joining Cappiello and junior point guard Michaela Keegan. Junior center Ally Raulf led the team on the boards with five rebounds.
 
Stat Sheet: Drew's up-tempo pressure defense resulted in 27 points off turnovers, accounting for 42 percent of the Rangers' offense. The Rangers outscored the Crusaders 24-4 in the paint, and shot 44 percent (7-of-16) as a team from three-point range.
 
Up Next: The Rangers host the home opener at Baldwin Gymnasium on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8:00 p.m. against Shenandoah University, the second game of the Rose City Classic and the fourth of four games in Baldwin Gym on Saturday. The consolation game will be played on Sunday at noon, followed directly by the championship.