As opening acts go, it was hard to top this one.
The Hillsdale College women's basketball team played like it was the middle of the season, putting together an impressive showing in a 92-62 win over Illinois-Springfield in a game played at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The 1-0 Chargers complete play at the GLIAC/GLVC Challenge against McKendree at 2:00 Saturday afternoon.
A 13-0 Hillsdale run broke the game wide open early in the first half after the teams opened up with a 10-9 score through five minutes. Keying the run was freshman forward Allie Dittmer, who looked outstanding in her collegiate debut.
Dittmer scored 8 of the team's 13 points in that first-half run, and finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 14 minutes on the floor. She was the most productive of a bench crew that lit up the scoreboard in this game.
Hillsdale's bench scored 52 points in the contest. No player logged more than 20 minutes on the floor, and the team's balance was evident in the box score. Five players scored in double figures, led by senior Megan Fogt's 18 points in 20 minutes. Fogt was 8-for-10 from the floor, and grabbed 7 rebounds and handed out 2 assists.
Senior Kadie Lowery nailed three 3-point baskets and had 13 points in 19 minutes. Senior Chelsea Farrell came off the bench to score 10, while junior Kayla Geffert went 4-for-5 from the field and had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
The Chargers shot 54 percent from the floor compared to 35 percent for UIS. Hillsdale logged 24 assists on 35 made field goals and the team committed just 10 turnovers, while forcing 18 by the opposition.
Hillsdale's 92 points scored were its most in a regulation game since Jan. 23, 2010.