No. 4 Hope Women's Basketball Charges Past Olivet

Forward Maura McAfee leapt two more Hope College women's basketball greats, and the fourth-ranked Flying Dutch used her career-high night to pull away for a 76-55 win against Olivet Wednesday.

McAfee scored a personal-best 29 points to move into sixth place all-time among Hope scoring leaders.

The senior from Midland, Michigan (Midland HS) also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season.

Hope improved to 18-0 overall and remained atop the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings with a 10-0 league record.

McAfee scored 19 points in the second half, including eight during a decisive third quarter where the Flying Dutch extended their lead to 54-36. Hope outscored Olivet 22-5 in the third quarter.

Junior forward Elizabeth Perkins of Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Lansing Christian HS) chipped in 13 points off the bench.

Junior forward Mandy Traversa of Winfield, Illinois (Wheaton North HS) netted 12 points — all of 3-pointers.

McAfee finished 11-of-16 from the floor and 7-of-9 from the foul line.

McAfee now has 1,247 points after 108 games. Against Olivet, she passed Kristin Carlson (1,233 points in 99 games from 1991-95) and Bria Ebels (1,245 points in 119 games from 2002-06).

McAfee needs three points to move ahead of Lisa Hoekstra for fifth place (1,249 points in 102 games from 1996-2000).

McAfee moved within striking distance of the Hope's career rebounding lead with 938. She needs six more to take the mantel from Kristin Carlson (943).

Hope returns to action on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Adrian.