The Westminster women's basketball team plowed through Blackburn College on Saturday afternoon, 88-45. The win brings the Westminster Blue Jays to 8-4 on the season and 4-2 in conference play. 

"Everyone came out with a fire and we played great "team" basketball. It was awesome to have the whole bench play, and that will make us stronger as we move toward our goal of winning a conference championship," stated junior guard Payton Gruber. Gruber led the floor with 19 points after shooting 5-for-9 from the three-point line. 

"Everyone worked hard together and played beautifully unselfish: setting each other up for a successful play," freshman River Remis added. "It was a great win with great energy that will continue to make us prosper."

The Blue Jays took a 16-0 lead throughout the first six minutes of the game before Blackburn got on the board. They continued with another 8-0 run and took a 25-point lead with 55 seconds left in the first half. The Blue Jays led 29-8 heading into the second quarter and struck a 13-2 run over the first five minutes of the second quarter. The team extended the lead to 40 with Remis' free throw and freshman Kelsey Ray made two free throws to send the game into halftime with the Blue Jays leading 56-16.

The Blue Jays possessed a 76-26 lead at the end of three quarters, and despite Blackburn outscoring the Blue Jays 19-12 in the final quarter, the Blue Jays won 88-45. 

The Blue Jays had 12 players score as the team shot 53.4 percent from the field and 51.9 percent from the three-point line. Senior Mackenzie Haddox recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists. 

"We had great moments within the game from several different players," commented Head Coach Tracey Braden. "I am proud of our overall performance."

Senior Mikaela Ruga added, "Everyone was present, in the moment and excited for each other."

The Blue Jays next travel to Webster Groves, Mo., on Wednesday, January 13, for their seventh conference game versus Webster University at 6:00 pm.