Jan. 24, 2004

OWENSBORO, Ky. - Darcee Schmidt scored 17 first-half points and Lewis University utilized a 24-6 run over an eight minute span in the first half to beat Kentucky Wesleyan 66-57 in women's basketball action.

The Flyers (12-6, 9-2 Great Lakes Valley Conference) moved into a tie for the conference lead Thursday when Quincy lost to Southern Indiana. The victory keeps the Flyers in first place and sets up a showdown with Quincy January 31.

Kentucky Wesleyan (3-14, 1-10 GLVC) started strongly and held an early 20-10 lead before the Flyers exploded for 24 points from the 10:08 mark until 1:59 was left in the half. Schmidt ignited the run, scoring four consecutive baskets and had 15 of her 17 first-half points in the span. She closed the night with 21 points and three rebounds while connecting on 10 of her 12 field goal attempts.

The win is Lewis' sixth straight and marks the longest winning streak for the program since the 1999-2000 season. It is also the team's longest conference winning streak since 1997-98.

Sophomore point guard Shante Glenn picked up the game's tempo when needed and wound up scoring 15 points and dishing out five assists. Bryanne Callahan added 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Mary Moskal had six points and shared team-high rebounding honors with nine caroms as well. Brittney Diener came off the bench and contributed six rebounds and five assists.

Before Lewis hosts Quincy in their showdown on Jan. 31, the Flyers will have to focus on a feisty Missouri-St. Louis squad that fell to the Flyers 58-56 earlier this season. Lewis hosts UMSL at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 and then will face Quincy at 1 p.m. on the 31st.

1/24/04