MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Elmhurst University women's basketball team secured a decisive 98-42 victory over Alverno on Friday (Nov. 23) evening at Reiman Gymnasium.

Elmhurst improves to 4-0 with the victory, marking the team's first 4-0 start since the 2016-17 season, while Alverno fell to 2-2 with the loss.

The Bluejays featured several standout players in their first road game of the season. Kristin Bukata led the team with 17 points, hitting seven baskets on 10 attempts and contributing significantly on defense with five steals. Maia Lewers also played a crucial role, scoring 11 points and securing four rebounds. Sulika Ili matched Lewers in shots, making five out of seven baskets and adding 12 points to the team's total. Dejae Parks showed strong performance under the basket, scoring 14 points with six baskets and leading in rebounds with seven. Natalie Harty was a defensive asset with five steals, adding seven points to the scoreboard.

In the first quarter, the Bluejays and the Inferno were evenly matched with five ties and two lead changes. Bukata had a notable impact, scoring multiple layups and contributing a steal with an assist. The Bluejays capitalized on points in the paint, scoring 16, compared to the Inferno's eight. Despite the Inferno's strong defensive effort, recording seven defensive rebounds and one block, Elmhurst led following the opening quarter, 21-17.

In the second quarter, the Bluejays outscored the Inferno 29-16, extending their lead significantly. Sierra Gibson contributed defensively with two steals and offensively by adding points from free throws, including consecutive successful shots at one point. Bukata also made a strong impact with a successful 3-pointer at 6:40, an assist, and a series of defensive rebounds and steals. The Inferno struggled with turnovers, committing 11 in the quarter, which the Bluejays capitalized on to build their lead.

Elmhurst dominated the third quarter with an impressive offensive performance, outscoring the Inferno 25-5. The quarter began with the Bluejays building momentum as MC Brown converted an offensive rebound into a jumper at 8:12, followed by a 3-pointer from Lindsay Novak, extending their lead to 55-33. The Jays showed strong defensive efforts as well, forcing the Inferno into multiple turnovers and capitalizing on them with points from Diellza Dalipi and Bukata, further increasing their advantage to 59-33. The Inferno struggled offensively, missing all 18 of their shot attempts and relying solely on free throws to contribute to their five points in the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Elmhurst dominated the Inferno with a 23-4 scoring advantage, leading to a decisive victory. Parks contributed significantly, scoring multiple layups and a jumper, while also securing several rebounds. Ella Conyers was active on the court with both scoring and assisting, including a late layup that extended the lead. The Inferno struggled offensively, failing to make a basket during the quarter. The Bluejays' defense was strong, forcing turnovers and collecting a higher number of rebounds, contributing to their overwhelming performance in the final quarter.

UP NEXT 

The Bluejays will head back home to face Eureka College on Sunday, November 24, with tip off scheduled at 2 p.m. inside R.A. Faganel Hall.

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