WILSON, N.C. - Freshman Maria Kuhlman scored a career-high 23 points to lead Belmont Abbey past the Barton Bulldogs 77-62 this evening.  It was the first conference game of the season for both teams.  The Abbey now stands at 3-3 on the season and 1-0 in Conference Carolinas play.  Barton is now 3-4, with an 0-1 conference mark.

The Abbey came out strong right from the start as senior Briana Grier hit a three-pointer in the first Crusader possession of the game.  The defense was also solid, as it forced Barton into a 4:45 scoring drought in the later part of the quarter.  In the closing seconds of the period, senior Alex Busch nailed a three-point shot, and the Crusaders led 20-12 after one quarter of play.  A three-pointer by Kuhlman put The Abbey in front 25-18 with 6:44 to play in the half.  Barton then went on a run to take a 36-33 lead into halftime.

The third quarter was all Abbey.  The Crusaders made three-point shots in back-to-back possessions to regain the lead at 41-40.  Then Kuhlman hit two threes in a 45-second span to increase the Crusader lead to 50-43 at the 4:54 mark.  Meanwhile, The Abbey's defensive efforts forced the Bulldogs into a 4:20 scoring drought.  Another three-pointer by Busch gave the Crusaders a commanding 14-point lead at the 1:34 mark.  At the end of the quarter, Belmont Abbey owned a 60-46 advantage.

Freshman Allie Downing began the fourth quarter with a jumper to put the Crusaders in front 62-46.  Freshman Hannah Roney nailed a jumper at the 6:09 mark to give The Abbey its largest lead of the night at 67-48.  Belmont Abbey went on to finish with a 77-62 victory.

On the night, Kuhlman's 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists were all game-highs.  It was also Kuhlman's first double-double.  Downing finished with 12 points and seven boards.  Roney handed out four assists.

Belmont Abbey will next welcome North Greenville University on Saturday, December 2.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.