By Emma Tocci
Collegian Reporter

While most students were at home working on Thanksgiving leftovers, members of the Hillsdale women’s basketball team were working the court with games against Spring Arbor and Grand Valley State over break.

And when everyone else returned to campus Monday, it was the Chargers’ turn to hit the road as they traveled to play Saginaw Valley State on the Cardinals’ home turf in Saginaw, Mich.

The Chargers beat the Spring Arbor Cougars on Nov. 26, 74-68. Climbing back from an eight-point deficit in the second half, the teams were tied 64-64 with 6:16 left to play when senior Jen Newsone gave the go-ahead three-point basket.

Senior Mary Wiesen closed the deal with 36 seconds remaining, sinking her two free throws.

In the Nov. 30 non-conference game against GVSU, the Chargers accepted their first loss of the season, dropping 55-61 to the Lakers.

Senior Caitlyn Kennedy scored her fifth double-double of the season, making12 points and a career record 18 rebounds.

According to Kennedy the defense was strong but defense alone wasn’t enough.

“We were definitely a better team, but we just weren’t shooting well—the offense wasn’t there…we weren’t sinking our shots,” she said.

Charging through the schedule, the women continued to gain ground Monday in the game against conference rival SVSU. Hillsdale beat the Cardinals 70-61.

Newsone led the Chargers on offense with 17 points, while Kennedy topped the rebound category with 14. Senior Stephanie Heid was close behind with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The victory boosted the Chargers’ record to 5-1.

“It was good to get a win on the road,” coach Claudette Charney said.