The Saint Vincent women's basketball team opened the two-day Messiah College Tournament with an 81-45 victory over Lancaster Bible College.

The teams played a fairly even first quarter.  SVC jumped to a quick 4-0 lead, but the game was tied, 7-7 late in the quarter.  Down 8-7, SVC took a 10-8 lead on a three by Taylor Boring with 37 seconds remaining.  Bri Van Volkenburg then scored, drew a foul, and completed the conventional 3-point play.  Jenna Lafko then completed the run with a layup, putting the Bearcats in front, 15-8, early in the second quarter.

Later in the second, five straight points by Kayla Slovenec pushed the Bearcat lead to eleven, 28-17, and the team went into the break up 35-19.  Slovenec led all scorers in the first half with 9 points.

In the third quarter, back-to-back scores by Maria Morgan put SVC in front 46-22 near the midway point, and a Taylor Boring three in the closing seconds of the third pushed the lead over 30 points for the first time, 63-31.

SVC continued its strong play in the fourth, pulling away to the 36-point win.

Madison Kollar led the team with 13 points, while Slovenec scored 12.  Joining them in double figures were Lafko and Morgan, with 10 each.  Boring added 9, while freshman Maria Claybaugh scored 8.  Lafko and Paige Montrose each had 3 steals.  Carlee Kilgus led the team in rebounds and assists, with 6 in each category.

SVC caused 23 LBC turnovers on the evening.  

The Bearcats are now 2-1 on the season and will be back in action on Saturday (November 17) in the second day of the tournament, facing host Messiah College for the tournament championship at 3PM.