The third-ranked Hope College women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday with an 88-77 defeat at Calvin.
The Flying Dutch (24-1 overall) remain outright Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions after finishing with a 15-1 league record. It is Hope's 15th MIAA title and 13th since the 1999-2000 season.
The Flying Dutch will host next week's MIAA Tournament on Friday and Saturday at DeVos Fieldhouse. Hope will be the top seed. Game times and ticket information will be announced by Monday.
In front of a West Michigan television audience for the first time, junior guard Angelique Gaddy of Caledonia, Michigan (Grand Rapids South Christian HS) scored a career-high 22 points to lead Hope.
Senior forward Maura McAfee of Midland, Michigan (Midland HS) recorded her 12th double-double with 15 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
Junior forward Elizabeth Perkins of Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Lansing Christian HS) chipped in 12 points.
Senior guard Autumn Anderson of Dorr, Michigan (Wayland HS) totaled seven assists.
Calvin (20-5 overall, 14-22 MIAA) reversed fortunes from a 79-47 loss at Hope on January 20. The Knights put six players in double figures while burying 12 3s and outscoring the Flying Dutch 22-17 from the foul line.
Hope now trails in the all-time series 70-45.
The Flying Dutch will play either Adrian or Olivet in the MIAA Tournament semifinals. Calvin will be seeded second and play Trine.
