Steffas, Espenschied lead the No. 21 ranked Women's Basketball team past Marietta 92-49
By Ashley Birchmeier
ADA — The No. 21 ranked Women's Basketball team defeated Marietta 92-49 Saturday afternoon at the ONU Sports Center to improve its win streak to nine.
ONU improved to 11-2 overall, 6-0 Ohio Athletic Conference, while Marietta fell to 9-4, 3-3.
Northern was led in the contest by seniors Karissa Steffas and Brooke Espenschied. Steffas recorded a game-high 16 points and eight rebounds, while Espenschied scored eight points and pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.
Senior Carly Thomas and sophomore Amy Bullimore also scored in double figures, chipping in 10 points a piece.
Marietta and Northern exchanged points for much of the first quarter before a layup from Steffas as time expired gave the Polar Bears the 22-20 first quarter advantage.
Northern took over the contest in the second quarter, out scoring the Pioneers 21-6.
The Polar Bears opened the second quarter with a 10-0 run led by Thomas, giving ONU the 32-20 lead with 7:15 remaining before the break.
Northern would close out the quarter on a 5-0 run, capped off by a layup and a free throw from Steffas putting the Polar Bears on top 43-26 at the break.
ONU continued to extend its lead in the third quarter as a string of runs and efficient free throw shooting from Steffas would extend the Polar Bear lead to 68-36 with one quarter left to play.
Sophomore Cheyenne Raker would lead Northern in the fourth quarter sinking a pair of free throws with just over a minute to play to secure the 92-49 victory.
Marietta was led in the contest by sophomore Brooke Borich with a team-high 10 points.
Northern returns to action Wednesday as they welcome Wilmington to the ONU Sports Center, tip off set for 7:30 pm.
