BOX SCORE

LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola University's women's basketball team opened the 2006-07 Golden State Athletic Conference season with a convincing 74-46 victory over San Diego Christian Tuesday night at Chase Gymnasium in La Mirada.

Sophomore center Megann Alberts recorded her third double-double of the young season, scoring 22 points and pulling down 11 rebounds as the Eagles improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in GSAC play.

The Hawks, which fell to 1-1 on the year and 0-1 in conference, were led by the 17 points and nine boards of Erika Hendrickson.Biola took control of the game early, opening the game on a 21-4 run over the first seven minutes including scoring six points on three consecutive steals and lay-ins in a 10 second span.

San Diego Christian was able to claw back into the game thanks to an excess of chances from the free throw line. The Hawks shot 23 free throws in the first half and converted 15 to hang in and pull the game to six with 4:17 remaining. Biola managed to overcome its high foul count and took a 12-point lead to the locker room.

In the second half, the Eagles played impressive defense and cut down on the fouls as they went on an 8-0 run to start the half. San Diego Christian would narrow the lead to 13 on two occasions, before Biola pulled away at the end.

The Hawks finished going 21-for-35 from the free-throw line, but just 12-for-52 from the field.

Biola, on the other hand, shot 43 percent from the field, nailing 30-of-70 shots including seven three-pointers.

Sophomore Summer Matthews scored nine points and added a game-high 13 rebounds while senior Rochelle Rausch scored 10 and recorded four steals.

Biola returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 28, for a home GSAC game against Hope International at 5:30 p.m. in Chase Gymnasium.