Box Score

ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Elmhurst College women's basketball team upped its record to 6-4 on the season following a 79-59 road victory at Rockford College.

Elmhurst broke open a one-point game at the half by outscoring Rockford (2-8) 42-23 in the second half. Leading by just one (37-36) at the start of the half, the Bluejays started the half of a 14-5 run to open up a 10-point advantage. Rockford pulled to within six points with 6:48 to play, but the Bluejays closed the game on a 19-5 run to earn the 79-59 victory.

The Bluejays finished the game shooting 39.4 percent (28-of-71) from the floor, including 23.5 percent (4-of-17) from 3-point range. The Bluejays were solid from the free throw line, converting 19-of-21 attempts to shoot 90.5 percent.

Rockford shot 45.5 percent from the floor (20-of-54), but only 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. The Regents struggled from the charity stripe, shooting just 58.1 percent (18-of-31).

Turnovers plagued Rockford, as the Regents committed 24 turnovers resulting in 23 points for the Bluejays.

Meghan Merklein totaled a double-double to lead the Bluejays in the win. Merklein poured in 27 points while shooting 10-of-14 from the foul line. She added a team-high 10 rebounds and also recorded four steals. Lyndsie Long added 20 points and seven rebounds in the win. Rashida Joiner and Kelsey Monroe added nine points apiece while Erika Schwartz finished with eight. Claire Gentry dished out six assists for the Bluejays.

Rockford was led by Megan Lawler's 14-point, 10-rebound performance. Britney Curry added 13 points while Melissa Swaziek finished with 12.

Elmhurst takes two weeks off before hosting Loras College on Saturday, January 2, 2010.