LAKE FOREST, IL – This evening the Beloit College women's basketball team delivered a defensive masterclass and a balanced offensive assault to defeat Lake Forest College 60-48. Led by a dominant double-double from Hailey Johnson (South Milwaukee, Wis.) and sharpshooting from Julia Kennedy (South Milwaukee, WI), the Buccaneers (5-10,2-4 MWC) controlled the tempo from the opening tip to improve their season standing.
From the start, Beloit established an identity rooted in high-pressure defense. The Buccaneers jumped out to an 18-9 lead in the first quarter, fueled by the playmaking of Aina Mallorqui (Valls, Spain) and the interior presence of Johnson.
The most significant momentum shift occurred midway through the second quarter. With the game still within reach for the Foresters (2-13,0-6 MWC), Beloit ignited a 10-0 scoring run that stretched their lead and deflated the home crowd. By halftime, the Buccaneers held a comfortable 28-18 advantage, having forced numerous turnovers that translated directly into transition points.
If the first half was about control, the third quarter was about a knockout. Beloit's offense found its highest gear, racking up 22 points in the period. Kennedy was the catalyst, connecting on several of her four three-pointers during this stretch.
The Buccaneers' lead ballooned to its peak of 21 points (57-36) late in the third quarter following a flurry of fast-break buckets. Beloit's ability to turn defense into offense was the story of the night; the Buccaneers finished the game with a staggering 23 points of turnovers compared to Lake Forest's seven.
The win was marked by key performances by several players. The engine of the Buccaneers' frontcourt, Johnson posted a towering double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Her efficiency inside and her ability to draw fouls (5-of-6 from the FT line) kept the Foresters' defense in constant retreat. Kennedy provided the perimeter threat necessary to space the floor, scoring 16 points while shooting a blistering 57% (4-of-7) from beyond the arc. A defensive nightmare for Lake Forest, Bailey Darneal (Colorado Springs, CO) recorded a game-high 5 steals to go along with 13 points. Her active hands on the perimeter were responsible for disrupting the Foresters' offensive sets all night.
The final score of 60-48 belies just how much Beloit dominated the middle stretches of the game. The Buccaneers finished with 17 steals as a team, harassing Lake Forest into 21 total turnovers.
While Lake Forest managed a late 15-4 run in the fourth quarter to trim the deficit, the result was never truly in doubt. Beloit's poise in the closing minutes, led by the veteran presence of Kaitlin Davis and Brooke Foster, ensured the victory remained secure.
The Buccaneers continue to grind through MWC action when they host Illinois College on Saturday. Tip off from Flood Arena is set for 5 pm.
