Crimson Wave hold off Great Lakes Christian for first win of the season

Whiting, IN. – The Calumet College of St. Joseph women's basketball team held off Great Lakes Christian in a 66-61 victory to notch its first win of the season on Wednesday, December 13 at the Rittenmeyer Center.

How It Happened 

The Crimson Wave (1-9, 0-4 CCAC) had been searching for answers all season in hopes to be on the winning side when the final buzzer sounds, and after Wednesday's contest against Great Lakes Christian, they were finally able to feel that joy.

With another slow start in the first quarter, it wasn't out the realm to assume history may repeat itself. Great Lakes Christian got out to an 11-0 run and Calumet College didn't score its first point until the 3:37 mark, as they missed their first eight shots.

Trailing by five after the first, CCSJ managed to put together its best scoring output of the season in the second quarter. The Crimson Wave's 11-0 run to take the lead was the only the beginning as the team's 27-point quarter was unprecedented.

As a team, they shot 57 percent from the field and went 5-of-6 from behind the arc in the second quarter. Six different players contributed on the scoreboard for Calumet College during the stretch as Marisa Esquivel sunk two timely 3-pointers and Hailey Vanderhye scored 10 of her 20 points.

Feeding off the momentum, CCSJ was able to expand its lead to 13 after three quarters before Great Lakes Christian made its run late in the fourth.

Great Lakes Christian managed to cut the 15-point deficit down to five with just two minutes remaining in the game, putting all the pressure on the home team. However, Calumet College stood tall and would not be denied as they forced the Crusaders to shoot 1-of-5 down the stretch to hold on to the win.

The Crimson Wave put together its best performance statistically as they shot 43 percent (23-od-54) from the field and 50 percent (9-of-18) from 3-point range. They also recorded 20 assists, which is a season-high, along with 47 rebounds as a team which is the most this season.

Crimson Wave Leaders

Hailey Vanderhye led CCSJ with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and 6-for-8 shooting from the free throw line. Marisa Esquivel provided a spark with 15 total points, nailing three of her seven 3-point attempts. Esquivel also chipped in with three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Point guard Destiny Hughes controlled the offense with her 10 assists, while also pulling down 10 rebounds. Vanessa Carrera came off the bench for the Crimson Wave and added seven points in the win as well.

Up Next

CCSJ returns to action Saturday, December 16^th as they host Holy Cross in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference game at 1:00 PM.