Vanguard Women's Basketball Beats Simon Fraser 79-35 in Billings

Vanguard women’s basketball cruised to a 79-35 victory over Simon Fraser in Billings, Montana, bouncing back from an opening-night defeat to level their early record at 1-1.

The Lions clamped down defensively after the first quarter, holding the Red Leafs to under 10 points in each of the final three frames. Emma Schaaf seized control of the contest with a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double, leading all players in both categories.

Schaaf went 7-for-15 from the field and 5-of-6 from the charity stripe, adding three blocks and four steals. Aryanna Hudson and Ashlin Crabtree also hit double figures, combining for seven of the squad’s eight triples on the night.

Hudson finished with 17 points after going 3-for-5 from downtown and adding four buckets down low, while chipping in four helpers. Crabtree went 4-for-7 from distance and finished 6-of-9 overall for 16 points.

The first period proved to be the closest frame of the matchup, with Vanguard holding a 19-11 advantage after 10 minutes. A 14-0 run cemented by Micaela Hanning and Schaaf put the Lions in control before Simon Fraser broke through with a free-throw with three minutes left in the opening quarter.

Vanguard shot 42% in the first frame while holding the Red Leafs to a 25% clip. The Lions then shot 52% in the second period and 60% in the third to put the game out of reach as starters built an insurmountable lead.

“Tonight we really responded well and played more like what we’re capable of,” said Head Coach Russ Davis. “I’m proud of how we bounced back and competed with a more sense of urgency.”

Micaela Hanning added eight points and six assists alongside five boards. Down the stretch, Gloria Barrera scored five points in six minutes, Emily Shaw and Bella Medina each added four, and Nyla Cabine contributed two.

Vanguard returns home next to host a tournament, starting with a matchup against Northwest Nazarene on Friday, Nov. 20, at 12:00 PM.