BELMONT, N.C. – The Belmont Abbey women's basketball team continued its good run of play with a 72-45 win over Emmanuel Saturday afternoon at the Wheeler Center. The victory extends the Crusaders' winning streak to four games, their longest of the season.
 
It was one of the best offensive efforts of the season for the Crusaders, who shot a season-best 53.7 percent from the field.
 
The Abbey had three scorers in double figures led by a game-high 17 from Abigail Crain. Additionally, she had four rebounds and three assists in the winning effort.
 
Catherine Hendershott was next for the Crusaders with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Katherine Bischoping provided a spark off the bench with a season-high 13 points and six rebounds.
 
The Crusaders improved to 9-5 overall and 3-1 in Conference Carolinas play. The Lions are 8-5 overall and 4-1 in the conference.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Emmanuel started the game on a 6-0 run before Belmont Abbey chipped away and took its first lead at 10-9 with a jumper from Riley James.
• The Crusaders took the led for good early in the second quarter with a pair of Peyton Nation free throws that started a 14-2 run.
• The Lions got within 10 points late in the third quarter but a pair of three-pointers from Bischoping and Cate Schieber extended the lead to 16 entering the fourth quarter.
• 11 of the 12 Crusaders who saw playing time Saturday scored.
• The Abbey outrebounded Emmanuel 37-25 with Janiah Shular's eight rebounds leading the way for the Crusaders.
• The Crusaders held an opponent under 50 points for the second straight game and the fourth time this season.

 
UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey continues its three-game homestand with a contest against North Greenville at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheeler Center.
• This will be the lone matchup between the two teams during the regular season.