Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

HOLLAND, Mich. (Nov. 13, 2021) - The North Central College women's basketball team faced Edgewood College for the first time since 2003 and came away victorious with a 69-62 win behind double-doubles from IxChel Leeuwenburgh and Mitrese Smith.

After falling behind early, the Cardinals took their first lead of the game on a Natalie Stavropoulos layup to put the score at 10-9. North Central scored the next nine points to increase their lead to 20-9 following Jessica Kowalczyk's jumper. The Eagles came back within three before Kowalczyk's free throw gave North Central a six-point lead with 4:19 left in the half. Coming into halftime, the Cardinals held a 26-24 advantage.

Edgewood went up by one early in the third quarter before Allison Pearson knocked down a three-pointer to give the Cardinals a one-point edge. Pearson hit her second three-pointer with 6:01 to play in the quarter. Elle Sutter put North Central on top 44-32 with her lone three of the contest. Despite the Eagles' efforts, the Cardinals entered the final quarter of play ahead 50-45.

A layup from Smith concluded an 8-0 North Central run to begin the fourth quarter. Leeuwenburgh's layup with 4:56 to play pushed the Cardinals' lead to 15 as North Central stayed on top the rest of the way to earn a 69-62 win.

Leeuwenburgh scored a game-high 16 points to add to her 16 rebounds while Smith posted 13 points and 11 rebounds. Pearson finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. North Central took advantage of 15 second-choice points in the game.

Abby Shane led Edgewood with 15 points followed by Eden Bonser with 14. Vivian Guerrero tabbed 10 points and 11 rebounds.

North Central plays their third straight road contest on Wednesday by visiting Concordia University Wisconsin. Tip-off is set for 7 PM inside of Buuck Field House.

Download the free North Central Cardinals app, available for iOS and Android devices, to receive up-to-the-minute news, scores and updates on your favorite North Central teams. Click HERE for more information.