Feb. 10, 2007

Box Score

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - In the 32-year history of women's basketball at Lewis University , only two players have ever scored 40 points in a game. On Saturday, Darcee Schmidt became the third.

Schmidt's record-breaking 43-point performance led No. 7 Lewis to its first 20-win season in nine years, as the Flyers defeated Bellarmine 79-70 Saturday afternoon in conference play.

Schmidt tallied 27 points in the second half alone, scoring 13 of the Flyers' final 15 points in the game as Lewis turned a 61-61 tie with 7:09 to play into a nine-point win.

Lewis led Bellarmine by five at halftime and increased its lead to 14 points with 16:12 to play. The Knights then outscored Lewis 27-13 over the next 9:03 to tie things at 61 all.

Lauresha Hawkins put Lewis back up by three with a 3-pointer, and Schmidt took over from there, hitting five of her last seven shots from the floor with two free throws.

Schmidt's 43 points broke the Lewis single-game scoring record of 40, held by Carey Jewell (1999-00) and Michelle Ford (1979-80). Schmidt was 17-of-27 from the field, 4-of-5 from 3-point range and 5-of-6 at the foul line. Her 17 field goals tied a school record held by Julie Fruendt (1984-85).

Schmidt's effort also made her only the third Flyer ever to reach 1,800 points for their career. Schmidt now has 1,815 and is 39 away from school's all-time record.

Schmidt also collected a season-high 14 rebounds in the win over Bellarmine, registering her fifth double-double of the season.

Mary Moskal added 14 points and seven rebounds, and Erin Cox scored seven points with four rebounds, one block and one steal. Jenna Mooberry had six points, and Brittney Diener pulled downs seven rebounds.

The Flyers (20-3, 13-2) have hit 20 wins for only the fifth time in program history. The 1997-98 team finished with a school-record 23 wins.

Lewis has four regular-season games remaining. The Flyers host Saint Joseph's on Thursday.