KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Elmhurst University women's basketball Elmhurst defeated Kalamazoo College, 61-50, in a holiday break road game Saturday (Dec. 28) afternoon.
Elmhurst improved to 9-2 overall with the victory, while the Hornets fell to 5-6 with the loss.
The Bluejays set the tone early, using aggressive defense to force turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Despite a strong push by Kalamazoo in the second half, Elmhurst's timely three-point shooting and composure at the free-throw line were enough to secure the win.
Kristin Bukata led the way for the Bluejays with a game-high 18 points, adding 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 assists in a well-rounded performance. Lindsay Novak was lights-out from three-point range, hitting 4-of-8 to contribute 12 points, while Diellza Dalipi dominated on the boards, pulling down 9 rebounds and adding 6 points. MC Brown added an efficient 7 points and 6 rebounds while providing a defensive spark with 3 steals and a block.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Elmhurst came out firing in the first quarter, building a commanding 17-8 lead. Their defense was relentless, forcing 9 turnovers, which translated into fast-break opportunities. Novak sank two early three-pointers, while Bukata controlled the tempo with a mix of jump shots and assists. Kalamazoo struggled to find offensive rhythm, with only Ruby Hogan providing consistent scoring in the paint. The quarter ended with Elmhurst firmly in control, capitalizing on Kalamazoo's mistakes and dictating the pace of the game.
Kalamazoo rallied in the second quarter, outscoring Elmhurst 13-10 to narrow the deficit. Despite this surge, Elmhurst maintained their lead thanks to timely contributions from their bench, including a fast-break layup off a steal from Maia Lewers, with Elmhurst leading 30-18 heading into the break.
The third quarter saw Elmhurst extend their lead with a dominant 23-point effort. Novak was the star of the period, hitting three consecutive three-pointers that electrified the Bluejays' bench and deflated Kalamazoo's momentum. On the defensive end, Dalipi and Brown controlled the glass and forced critical turnovers. While Kalamazoo found some offensive rhythm through Ruby Hogan's inside scoring, Elmhurst's ability to execute in transition kept the Hornets at bay. By the end of the quarter, Elmhurst had built a 50-40 lead.
Kalamazoo fought hard in the fourth quarter, outscoring Elmhurst 15-8. The Hornets pressed aggressively on defense and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, with Hogan and Vanderstelt leading the charge. However, Elmhurst's composure in the closing minutes proved pivotal. Bukata sealed the game with clutch free throws and a key steal that thwarted Kalamazoo's comeback attempt. Despite the Hornets' late push, the Bluejays' early lead and defensive resilience carried them to the 61-50 victory.
UP NEXT
With Saturday's game standing as the non-conference finale for the Bluejays, Elmhurst returns to action in the new year, hosting North Central to begin the two-month conference schedule on Saturday, Jan. 4. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. inside R.A. Faganel Hall.
FOLLOW THE BLUEJAYS
Be sure to keep up with all Elmhurst University Athletics content by following the Bluejays on Twitter (@elmhurstbluejay), Facebook (Elmhurst University Athletics) and Instagram (@elmhurstbluejays), and tune in to elmhurstbluejays.com for the latest news and information.
