Women's Basketball defeats Mount Mercy in home opener

LA CROSSE, Wis. - The Viterbo University Women's Basketball team had their home opener Wednesday night, defeating Mount Mercy, 68-56. 

The V-Hawks came out ready to fight, getting the early 10-2 lead. Chyna Young made a layup and a three-point shot back-to-back to make the score 15-6. A couple of three-pointers and a layup from Mount Mercy cut the Viterbo lead to three to end the first quarter. An evenly matched second quarter of play put the V-Hawks up 34-23 at halftime. 

Out of the gates in the second half, Ellie Hoesley sunk a three-pointer to extend the Viterbo lead. Justyne Burgess converted two three-point shots right after and Mount Mercy wouldn't come close after. The V-Hawks' largest lead in the game was 18 halfway through the third quarter. 

Kaitlyn Kennedy led Viterbo in points with 13, followed by Kacie Gross with 11 points. Ellie Hoesley was a force under the basket with ten rebounds. She also contributed four assists and four steals in the game. As a team, the V-Hawks shot 43.1 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from behind the arc. Viterbo out-rebounded Mount Mercy 37-29. The V-Hawks were strong from the free-throw line, shooting 78.6 percent (11-14 FTM). 

Viterbo will face Florida National next Friday, November 12 at 3:00 p.m. CST as a part of the Viterbo Classic. Follow the action on viterboathletics.com or by following us on social media.