Madison Kollar set a career high with 29 points to lead Saint Vincent to an 85-57 victory in the season opening game for the Bearcats in the Carey Center.
The first quarter was close, with the Bearcats holding the lead throughout much of the early action. A layup by Kollar at the midway point of the quarter gave SVC a 12-8 lead, but the Muskies later closed within a point, 13-12 with 1:30 remaining.
A jumper by Carlee Kilgus a minute later made it 15-12, and the visitors added a free throw with 8 seconds left to cut the margin to just two. However, Stephanie Vaughn hit a three at the buzzer to increase the lead to five, 18-13, and set the tone for the second quarter.
Bri Van Volkenburg started the quarter with a drive along the baseline. Five straight points by Taylor Boringfollowed, as she hit a free throw, then a layup, and finally a jumper that made the score 28-13. After Vaughn drew a charge at the other end of the court, Erin Giancola hit a jumper, followed by five points from Kayla Slovenec. Her putback at the 4:25 mark made the score 33-13, and capped an 18-0 Saint Vincent run.
After a free throw by the Muskies temporarily halted the run, Kollar hit a jumper, followed by a Maria Morganlayup. Kollar and Morgan both added points in the next minute, running the lead to 43-17 after a Morgan three.
Kollar ended the half with a jumper near the 30-second mark, as the Bearcats took a 49-22 lead into the break, outscoring Muskingum 31-9 in the second quarter. Kollar had 13 first half points.
The visitors played well in the third quarter, ending the period on a 7-0 run that made the score 63-41. Kollar again had the hot hand for Saint Vincent, adding 8 more points in the 10-minute session.
In the fourth, SVC continued to roll. A feed from Morgan to Kilgus for a layup gave SVC a 72-49 lead, and Kollar followed with another score. Freshman Lauren Gamble got into the action, taking advantage of two straight Muskie turnovers, scoring four quick points to make the score 80-51 with just over three minutes remaining. Taylor Geer followed with five points, including a three with just under two minutes on the clock, closing the scoring for the Bearcats.
Kollar led all scorers on the evening with 29 points, while Slovenec added 12 for the Bearcats. Giancola had a career-high 12 rebounds, with Paige Montrose adding 7. Morgan and Kilgus each recorded 6 assists, while Montrose had 5 steals. The Bearcats caused 27 turnovers by the Muskies.
Saint Vincent (1-0) will host Baldwin Wallace at 5:30PM on Tuesday, November 13 in the Carey Center.