La Crosse, Wis. - The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team tipped off their first home game of the season tonight with a commanding win over an undefeated Mayville State University 78-56. The win puts the V-Hawk ladies at 2-1 overall in this young 09-10 season.

Viterbo jumped out to a quick 13-6 lead only to succumb to a comeback by Mayville. Viterbo had a 19-13 lead with 9:21 remaining in the first half before Mayville went on a 13-2 run, as they were a menace from beyond the arc. Mayville drained three 3-point baskets in a row to take the lead at 26-21. Mayville's first half shooting was spectacular as they shot 52% from field goal range, 55% from the 3-point line, and 75% from the free-throw line. The Hawks would not go away though as they hung in the game by taking advantage at the free throw line and hitting two jump-shots by Joni Stanek (Sr. - Kendall, Wis.) and Dani Templin (Fr - Richland Center, Wis.) in the final minute. Mayville led at the half 35-31.

In the second half, the Hawks would find themselves down 33-40 when they really stepped up their play. Viterbo went on a quick 9-0 run with great teamwork and put themelves up 42-40. Mayville regained the lead quickly at 42-43; however that would be their last lead of the night. Viterbo pulled away after that as they would shoot 84% from the line, 4-4 from downtown, and an excellent 61% from the field in the second half.

Viterbo turned on the defense in the second half as they forced poor shot selections for Mayville and dominated the glass. As a team, Viterbo out rebounded Mayville 36-26. Viterbo would win this game with a total team effort as four ladies scored in double digits, Templin and Stanek each had 16 total points, while Katina Mandylaris (Sr. - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) and Sami Weaver (Fr. - Trempealeau, WI) had 15 and 11, respectively.

The win put the V-Hawks in the championship game of the Viterbo NAIA Showcase. The V-Hawks will face St. Xavier University at 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon. The Cougars of St. Xavier University advanced to the championship game by defeating Huntington University 69-56. Huntington will play Mayville State University at 1:00 pm in the Third Place Game.

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