(FULTON, Mo., Nov. 10)--The William Woods University women's basketball team defeated visiting Missouri Valley College 72-49 Wednesday night in Anderson Arena. The 16th-ranked Owls improve to 4-0 on the season.

The Owls held a 10-point lead in a low scoring opening half. Woods went to the break leading 28-18. WWU shot 38.5% from the field in the first half. They held the Vikings to 22.9% shooting.

WWU outscored MVC 44-31 in the second half to cruise to its fourth victory of the season.

Senior Jestine Gerber (Jefferson City, Mo.) led the Owls with 13 points. Senior Rachel Baker (Mexico, Mo.), junior Miranda Loesch (Lohman, Mo.) and junior Megan Aubuchon (Old Monroe, Mo.) each had eight points in the win. Loesch led the Owls with six rebounds. Baker added six blocked shots, five assists, four rebounds and two steals.

WWU shot 45.5% from the field in the win. MVC (1-2) shot 31.1% from the field in the loss. The Owls outrebounded the Vikings 41-36.

William Woods will return to action on November 12 and 13. They will compete in the University of St. Mary Classic in Leavenworth, Kan. WWU will play Johnson and Wales College on the Friday, and host USM on Saturday.