The Briar Cliff women's basketball team continued its perfect start to the 2026-27 season Saturday afternoon, reaching the 100-point mark for the second time this season in a 100-71 victory over College of Saint Mary to open GPAC play.
The Chargers and Flames traded baskets early in the opening quarter, with CSM taking an early 8-3 advantage. Briar Cliff responded with a three-pointer from Brooklyn Heineman, followed by back-to-back baskets from Heineman to give the Chargers their first lead at 13-11. Taylor Sodeman added a pair of free throws and a three-pointer, while Abby Lee converted a steal into a bucket. Kenna Mongan closed out the quarter with a three-pointer as Briar Cliff built a 29-17 lead after the first 10 minutes.
BCU carried its momentum into the second quarter, opening with an offensive rebound and putback from Lee before Kinzee Hinders added a layup off an assist from Heineman. The Chargers continued to find success inside, with Heineman knocking down free throws and Sodeman adding a layup. Briar Cliff's defensive pressure also began to create opportunities, as the Chargers forced turnovers and converted them into points. Heineman connected from beyond the arc, while Ella Reinoehl and Mongan added baskets down the stretch. Briar Cliff outscored the Flames 27-16 in the period to take a 56-33 advantage into halftime.
Coming out of the break the Chargers continued to build their lead. Lee opened the second-half scoring with a layup before adding another basket following an offensive rebound. Hinders contributed a layup off an assist from Mongan, and Heineman added a pair of free throws to extend the advantage. College of Saint Mary was able to pull together a few points, but Briar Cliff answered with baskets from Sodeman and Reinoehl. Heineman knocked down another three-pointer, while Reinoehl added a layup off an assist from Heineman. Mongan and Lee also contributed late baskets as the Chargers put together a 28-point third quarter to carry an 84-52 lead into the final period.
Briar Cliff maintained control in the fourth quarter, continuing to get contributions throughout its lineup. Reagan Seuntjens sparked the Chargers with a steal and fast-break layup before Sodeman knocked down back-to-back three-pointers. Seuntjens followed with a three-pointer of her own, and Hinders added a pair of free throws and a layup. BCU closed out the contest with a 100-71 victory.
Sodeman led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 9-of-15 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Heineman followed with 21 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and four steals. Lee recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds while adding three steals. Seuntjens contributed nine points and three steals, while Hinders and Reinoehl each finished with eight points. Mongan added seven points and five assists.
As a team, Briar Cliff collected 50 rebounds, dished out 20 assists, and recorded 16 steals. The Chargers also forced 22 turnovers and converted those miscues into 27 points.
With the victory, the Chargers improve to 5-0 overall and 1-0 in GPAC play. Briar Cliff returns to action this Wednesday, November 18, hosting the Waldorf Warriors. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
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