Hope Women's Basketball Cruises Past Mount Ida In RDV Sportsplex Opener

The nationally ranked Hope College women's basketball team enjoyed a rousing start to the RDV Sportsplex D3 Classic on Tuesday in Orlando, Florida.

The unbeaten Flying Dutch claimed their 10th win of the season by defeating Mount Ida, Massachusetts 102-56. Hope matched its season high for points in a game.

The Flying Dutch, ranked fourth in the WBCA Division III coaches poll and sixth in the D3Hoops.com rankings, will go for their fifth RDV Sportsplex D3 Classic title on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. against Beloit, Wisconsin.

Four Hope players reached double figures in scoring against Mount Ida.

Freshman forward Francesca Buchanan of Grant, Michigan (Sparta HS) netted a career-high 19 points off the bench.

Junior forward Mandy Traversa of Winfield, Illinois (Wheaton North HS) chipped in a season-high 17 points after returning to the starting lineup for the first time in four games.

Senior forward Maura McAfee of Midland, Michigan (Midland HS), recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 16 points and 15 rebounds. She reached 15 rebounds for the third time this season.

Freshman guard Victoria Swift of LaGrange, Illinois (Lyons Township HS) finished with 11 points.

The Flying Dutch played unselfishly en route to a season-high 28 assists. Hope also forced Mount Ida into 24 turnovers.

Center Angelique Martinez led Mount Ida (1-10 overall) with 18 points.

It was the first meeting for the Flying Dutch with Mount Ida.

Hope is now 9-0 all-time at the RDV Sportsplex D3 Classic.