Every Crusader saw at least 10 minutes of action and 12 of the 13 players scored as Valparaiso posted an 84-44 victory over Centenary on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
Sanna Helenius (Vantaa, Finland/Makelanrinteen Lukio H.S.) scored a career high 13 points, including going a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line, to lead the way for the Crusaders.
Valpo used runs of 10-2 and 10-0 in the first half to build a 20-point halftime advantage, 41-21. Seven first half three-pointers, including three by Carrie Myers (Stickleyville, Va./Lee H.S.), led the Crusaders to 53.8% shooting outside the arc in the opening 20 minutes.
Valpo expanded its lead to 28, 51-23, five minutes into the second half, and slowly built upon it the rest of the way, on the way to the Crusaders' largest victory of the season.
Helenius also grabbed a career best three rebounds while blocking a shot in 13 minutes of action. Betsy Rietema (Grand Rapids, Mich./Christian H.S.) added 11 points for the Crusaders while Tamra Braun (Savage, Minn./Prior Lake H.S.) grabbed a game-high eight rebounds.
Every Crusader registered at least one board while 11 of 13 players had an assist in the win. Valpo shot 53.8% for the game from the floor, including a 46.2% clip from outside the arc. The Crusaders drained 12 triples in the contest and only turned the ball over 11 times.
Jasmine Bothwell led Centenary (4-19, 0-8 Mid-Con) with 10 points, all in the first half. The Ladies shot just 27.8% for the game while committing 15 turnovers.
Valparaiso (13-9, 6-2) will return to action on Monday evening as the Crusaders host Oral Roberts at the ARC in a 7:05 p.m. start. The game will be shown live on Lakeshore Public Television as well as videocast live at www.valpo.edu/athletics. The game can also be heard live at www.sportsjuice.com.