Box Score

LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University women's basketball team opened conference play with a 61-56 victory over Alverno College on Saturday night.

Benedictine never trailed in the contest, scoring the first five points of the game on a three from Vincenza Ranallo and a jumper from Briana Hamilton. The Eagles led by as many as 11 points in the first half, using a run of 8-0 capped by a layup from Sierra Dunner to take a 24-13 lead. Benedictine held a 28-23 lead at the break.

Alverno battled back in the second half to tie the game at 37 apiece midway through the half. Benedictine had a response to the tune of a 12-2 run opened with a Ranallo layup. Ranallo finished the run with a three-point play to make the score 49-39 with 8:00 to play. Still leading by double digits with just over six minutes, Benedictine allowed Alverno to battle back to within three points with just over two minutes left. Benedictine was able to hang on for the victory by hitting free throws.

Benedictine limited Alverno to just 29.3 percent shooting from the field while connecting on 25-of-30 free throw attempts. Ranallo led Benedictine with 15 points while Alanna Ferry added 13. The Eagles held a 46-36 edge on the glass and overcame 19 turnovers.

Benedictine (1-2, 1-0) will travel up the road to face North Central in a road contest on Tuesday night.