NEW CONCORD, OH – Behind a fast start and a blistering finish, the Wilmington College women's basketball team defeated Muskingum, 71-57, Wednesday at the Muskingum Recreation Center in Ohio Athletic Conference action.

The Lady Quakers opened the game by scoring 13 of the first 15 points and sealed the deal with a 16-5 spurt.

"We got off to a great start, which I thought was important for us," said head coach Jerry Scheve. "But, Muskingum made the adjustments and fought back to tie it at half."

Unlike the first half, Wilmington didn't jump on the home team. But, following back-to-back three-pointers by senior Emily Zimmerman (Beavercreek, OH/Beavercreek), WC led by four. However, Muskingum quickly answered with nine straight, seven by leading scorer Hannah Nelson – who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds.

"We wanted to do a better job on Hannah, but you have to give her credit, she made some tough shots," said Scheve. "We wanted to minimize their shooters, and they have three good shooters. We held them to one basket, and I thought that was the key to the game."

The three shooters – Karen Sidwell, Tori Jarrett and Gabbi Davis – were a combined 1-of-13 for seven points, all by Sidwell. Jarrett come into the game averaging 9.9 points per game.

The final Muskie charge was defused as sophomore Spencer Robles (Clyde, OH/Clyde) bookended an 8-0 spurt with three-pointers, and Wilmington had a lead it wouldn't relinquish. As the host team hung around, senior Bria Eslick (Cleveland Heights, OH/Lutheran East) took matters into her own hands. The forward scored on three straight possessions giving the Lady Quakers an eight-point lead and forcing a MC timeout.

Muskingum's stoppage in play only delayed the inevitable as WC delivered the knockout blow by scoring 16 of the final 21 points.

Senior LeAnn Topp (New Bremen, OH/New Bremen) recorded her third double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds. The senior had pulled down at least 10 boards in four games this season, and WC is 3-1 in those games.

Junior Bethany Ahrens (Versailles, OH/Versailles) was 6-of-6 from the foul line and scored a season-high 12 points, while sophomore Courtney Tucker (Cincinnati, OH/Sycamore) tied her career-high with 10 points.

"Bethany came in the game and gave us a lift," said Scheve. "Courtney gave us a lot of energy and had some big steals."

Wilmington (11-7 overall, 6-4 OAC) will host Heidelberg 3 p.m. Saturday in the Hoops for a Cure event. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game. The Lady Quakers edged HC, 60-59, in the first meeting on December 22.