The #10 Charger women's basketball team returned to the win column Saturday afternoon, defeating the Lancers of Mount Marty 74-53. The Chargers employed a full-court pressure defense that propelled them to a 44-23 lead in the first half. The Charger defense forced 33 turnovers in the contest and held the Lancers to 40% from the field and 31% from three in the contest.
 
The Lancers opened the contest going on a quick 7-0 run capped by a layup from Maria Parsley. Briar Cliff responded with a 13-0 run of their own, with Konnor Sudmann scoring five points during the stretch. The Chargers pushed the lead to 10 following back-to-back threes from Grace Flanagan and Mallie McNair. The Chargers led 22-13 after a three-ball from Makenna Kleinhesselink to end the first quarter.
 
The Chargers in the second knocked down two threes courtesy of Flanagan and Sudmann. With 6:17 remaining in the quarter, McNair's trey pushed the lead to 20. The Cliff took a 30-point lead midway through the third following a layup from Payton Slaughter. The Lancers were unable to cut into the lead, and Briar Cliff took a 74-53 victory for their 13^th win of the season.
 
Sudmann paced the Chargers with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. McNair added 15 points and shot 50% from the field. Slaughter chipped in eight points and recorded five steals in the contest. Kennedy Benne added five points, five assists, and five steals in the win.
 
The Chargers improve to 13-6 (8-5 GPAC) and will return to action tomorrow afternoon, as they take on the Broncos of Hastings. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
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