The women’s basketball team of Hope College demonstrated remarkable proficiency from their reserve players in the recent match against Albion College. In an impressive comeback, the Flying Dutch secured a 62-55 victory at DeVos Fieldhouse. The team’s substitute players contributed an outstanding 48 points, propelling the team to its 14th consecutive win and thwarting Albion’s attempt at a second upset.
Coach Brian Morehouse expressed high admiration for his bench players, remarking, “I thought our bench played unbelievably well. There have been games where our starters have led us, and I felt that our bench was exceptional today.” He characterized the game as a “grueling 40 minutes”, highlighting the team’s improved performance in the third quarter and their ability to play with greater freedom.
During the critical third quarter, the Flying Dutch outscored Albion 22-10, establishing a 42-36 lead. This marked a significant turnaround after Albion briefly held a 30-20 lead early in the quarter. Morehouse attributed their success to a shift in mindset rather than specific strategic adjustments, stating, “We made a few tweaks in our approach, but for the most part, it was about executing our game plan more effectively rather than altering it.”
Key players Olivia Bellows, Terin Maynard, and Jada Garner delivered outstanding performances from the bench, contributing 18, 16, and 14 points respectively. Additionally, Courtney Lee secured a game-high nine rebounds, solidifying Hope’s position at the top of the MIAA standings.
Despite a formidable challenge from Albion, which included impressive displays from Daniah Beavers, Riley Davis, and DeBraya Edwards, the Flying Dutch maintained their composure and clinched a hard-earned victory. Morehouse lauded his team’s resilience, asserting, “Regardless of individual performances today, you all played at an exceptional level because we emerged victorious… We had to battle through it, we demonstrated composure in the second half, and we secured a hard-fought win.”
Following this triumph, Hope College is set to compete against Calvin in their upcoming game. Anticipated to be fiercely contested, both teams are eager to assert their dominance in the MIAA standings.
In conclusion, the Flying Dutch achieved a remarkable victory over Albion, showcasing their depth and determination as a team. As they look ahead to future games, they are certain to maintain the same level of tenacity in their pursuit of victory.