Players and coaches on the Hillsdale College women's basketball team can enjoy the next few days off celebrating the holidays as well as the program's best start in four years.
The Chargers won by 15 or more points for the third straight time Saturday afternoon, defeating Davis & Elkins 85-63 at the Kates Gymnasium on the campus of Ashland University. Hillsdale is now 7-1 overall, its best eight-game start since 2010-11, and is next in action Jan. 2 at Walsh University.
Eight players scored six or more points for Hillsdale, led by a career-high 16 from freshman center Allie Dittmer. Senior forward Megan Fogt was held scoreless in the first half - thanks mainly to foul trouble - but took over in the second half, scoring all 11 of her points in the second half's first eight minutes. She recorded her third straight double-double, and fifth of the season, with 11 points and 11 rebounds to go along with 1 blocked shot and 1 steal in just 14 minutes on the floor.
Few teams have outrebounded their opponents to the degree the Chargers have this season, and that strength was on full display again Saturday. Hillsdale held a 52-30 edge on the boards over Davis & Elkins, which was a season-high in both total rebounds and rebounding margin.
Hillsdale's depth was also impressive in this game, as the Chargers produced 52 points from its non-starters. Freshman guard Michele Boykin had a strong game with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, while Chelsea Farrell, Kayla Geffert and Becca Scherting all scored 6.
Sophomore guard Morgan Blair had her best overall game as a Charger, finishing with a season-high 9 points, along with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Junior Sarah Theut produced her second straight 4-point, 4-rebound game for Hillsdale.