Daytona Beach, FL (December 28, 2023) - The 18th ranked DeSales University women's basketball team forced 33 turnovers leading to 26 points in a 64-36 win over Principia College in the opening game of the Florida Sunshine Shootout tournament on Thursday morning. 

The Basics

• Final Score: DeSales - 64, Principia - 36
• Records: DeSales (8-2 Overall); Principia (7-3 Overall)
• Today's game marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams. 

How it Happened

• Tied at eight early, DSU scored seven straight points to take a 15-8 lead and maintained the seven point lead (18-11) after 10 minutes of play.
• The Bulldogs broke it open midway through the second quarter with a 9-2 run to claim a 31-17 lead into the half.
• DeSales dominated the second-half out-scoring Principia, 33-19 in the final two quarters and holding the Panthers to just six points in the third quarter.

Top Bulldog Performers

• Senior Mikaela Reese led all scorers with 13 points, adding 12 rebounds and three blocks.
• Senior Lindsey Welsh had 12 points, six steals, and five boards in the win.
• Senior Megan Bealer had 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
• Junior Morgan Sterner scored nine points off the bench and tallied three assists in the victory.

For the Foes

• Ariana Williams led the Panthers in scoring with 15 points and added six boards.
• Paige Fowler also reached double digits in scoring for Principia with 10 points and had six rebounds.

Inside the Box Score

• DeSales hit 33.8 percent from the field and held Principia to just 25 percent shooting.
• DSU forced 33 turnovers leading to a 26-6 advantage in points off turnovers.
• The Bulldogs also had a 42-20 advantage in points in the paint.

Up Next

• DSU is back at it tomorrow when they take on Hamline University in the second game of the holiday tournament at Daytona Beach with tip set for 10:00 am.