BOXSCORE

Holland, Mich. – The Thunder women's basketball used a strong second-half to defeat Calvin College 59-52 on Friday in the opening game of the CCIW/MIAA Classic, hosted by Hope College. Calvin entered today's game ranked sixth in this week's D3Hoops.com Top 25 poll. Wheaton improves to 5-1 on the year and Calvin is now 4-1 on the season. The tournament will conclude on Saturday with Calvin facing Carthage at 1 PM, and Wheaton taking on fourth-ranked Hope College at 3 PM (EST).

Wheaton led Calvin 30-29 at halftime of today's contest. Wheaton led 36-35 with 13:40 left in the first half, when the Thunder put together an 8-1 run to increase its lead to 44-36 with 8:35 left in regulation. Wheaton maintained its lead for the rest of the second half, with the team's largest lead coming as a nine-point advantage at 55-46 with 1:25 left in the game. Wheaton never trailed in the second half as the Thunder out-scored the Knights 29-23 in the second half.

Junior guard Kathleen Fidelia led the Thunder with a game-high 19 points, aided by a 9-for-9 effort at the free throw line. Fidelia also contributed seven rebounds, with six assists and four steals. Guard Lynnea Kvam (PICTURED RIGHT) made three three-point field goals, scoring 11 points in the game. Junior Jamie Jones scored eight points, with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Center Whitney Edgecombe scored seven points, with five rebounds.

Brook VanEck led Calvin with 16 points and 10 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Marcia Harris scored 13 points, with nine rebounds, including five offensive caroms.

Wheaton shot 40% (20-50) from the field, with 25% (3-12) from three-point range and 88.9% (16-18) at the free throw line. Calvin shot a 30.8% (16-52) field goal percentage, including just 23.1% (6-26) in the second half. The Knights shot 12.5% (2-16) from three-point range and 81.8% (18-22) at the free throw line. Calvin committed 19 turnovers, as Wheaton scored 17 points off of Knights' turnovers.