(COLUMBIA, Mo., Jan. 1)--The 13th-ranked William Woods University women's basketball team defeated Missouri Valley College 80-43 in the Columbia College Cougars vs. Cancer Classic Saturday in Columbia, Mo. The Owls improve to 13-1 on the season.

Junior Jestine Gerber (Jefferson City, Mo.) led the Owls in scoring with 14 points. Gerber was 5-for-8 from the floor and 4-for-6 from beyond the three-point line. Senior Rachel Baker (Mexico, Mo.) added 12 points in the win. Junior Sarah Eagan (Shelbina, Mo.) reached double-figures with 10 points.

Freshman Daris King (Cairo, Mo.) led the Owls with five rebounds. WWU outrebounded the Vikings 51-41.

Junior Miranda Loesch (Lohman, Mo.) was named to the All-Tournament team.

William Woods led 48-23 at halftime. They outscored Missouri Valley 32-20 in the second half. WWU shot 49.2% from the field for the game. They held the Vikings to 24.7% shooting.

The Owls will open AMC play on January 6. WWU will host McKendree University at 5:30 pm in Anderson Arena.