GRANTHAM, Pa. (Nov. 8) – The Saint Vincent women's basketball team picked up its first victory of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Marywood University 69-48 in the consolation game of the Messiah Tip-Off Tournament.
 
The Bearcats (1-1) used a balanced attack and strong defensive effort to earn the 21-point win, forcing 25 turnovers while holding the Pacers to just 32 percent shooting from the field.
 
The win is Head Coach Kam Gissendanner's first win with the Bearcats.
 
Saint Vincent controlled the game from the opening tip, using a 15-11 first quarter advantage before outscoring Marywood 22-9 in the second to take a 37-20 lead into halftime. The Bearcats never trailed from there, extending the margin to 54-29 after three quarters and cruising to the victory.
 
Danielle Pontius led the Bearcats with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-3 from three-point range, while adding three assists and two rebounds. Makenna Maier recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Camdon Bashor added 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting with seven rebounds.
 
Brooke Evans totaled seven points and six boards, while Olivia Yancy added five points, two rebounds, and three assists. Carmella McDole chipped in six points, two rebounds, and one assist.
 
Saint Vincent finished the game shooting 41.5 percent (22-53) from the field, 31.3 percent (5-16) from three, and 71.4 percent (20-28) at the free-throw line. The Bearcats out rebounded Marywood 44-32 and outscored the Pacers 30-18 in the paint.
 
SVC's defense was the difference, forcing 22 turnovers and converting them into 16 points. The Bearcats' bench also provided a boost, contributing 21 points on the afternoon.
 
Saint Vincent returns to action on Tuesday, November 11, hosting Pitt-Greensburg in the Bearcats home opener. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Robert S. Carey Center on Tuesday night.