(WALNUT RIDGE, Ark., Jan. 15)--The 14th-ranked William Woods University women's basketball team defeated Williams Baptist College 78-56 Saturday afternoon. The Owls improve to 17-1 overall and 4-0 in the American Midwest Conference.

The Owls held a 14-point lead at halftime (39-25). They outscored the Eagles 39-31 in the second half to cruise to the AMC victory.

Rachel Baker (Mexico, Mo.) led the Owls with 23 points. She added seven rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal. Jestine Gerber (Jefferson City, Mo.) added 20 points in the victory. Gerber was 7-for-11 from the field including 5-for-9 from beyond the three-point line.

WWU outrebounded WBC 39-30. The Owls shot 50.9% from the field in the win. The Eagles shot 32.1% from the field in the loss.

William Woods will return to action on January 20. The Owls will host Park University in an AMC match-up. Tip-off is at 5:30 pm in Anderson Arena.