The University of Redlands women's basketball team never trailed in Tuesday's non-conference game against the visiting Royals of Hope International University, earning its fourth win in row while relying on tough defense and solid free-throw shooting.  After jumping out to a 14-point lead midway through the first half, the Bulldogs held off a late-game rally by the opponents before securing the 66-59 victory in Currier Gym.

The Maroon and Gray fired off a 55.6% shooting performance in the opening stanza, which propelled it to an early 22-8 advantage when sophomore guard Claire Stach (Portland, OR) knocked down a free-throw with 10:42 to go.

However, the Royals refused to go away, mustering a small comeback before the end of the period, as Andrina Rendon hit a last-second jump shot to pull her team within 10 points. 

While Redlands struggled to maintain its offensive rhythm, Hope International kept knocking at the door during the second stanza.  The Royals eventually clawed their way back into the game with a 15-7 run to tie it up at 46 apiece at the 9:28-mark.

The Bulldogs responded, however, as they took advantage of opportunity by converting 10 free-throws in the final minutes of the game.  Redlands finished with a 17-for-24 effort, which proved to be the difference, as Hope International went 9-for-13 from the line.

In addition to those critical points, the Maroon and Gray gained important three-pointers from junior guard Marika Staton (El Centro, CA) and senior guard Allison Wong (Redding, CA), which helped to keep the opponents at bay.

Junior guard Colleen Goeser (San Carlos, CA) led the Bulldogs with 15 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists.  She was 6-for-8 from the charity stripe including three in the final five minutes. 

Junior forward Brittany Oster (Agoura Hills, CA) chipped in 12 points, five boards, and four assists, while Staton added 11 points, five rebounds and three steals.

Defensively, the Maroon and Gray gained nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal from junior forward Madison Sanders-Curry (San Jose, CA).

Hope International's Rendon led all scorers with 16 points.  She also grabbed seven boards.

Redlands (4-0), which received votes in today's USA Today Division III Top-25 Coaches' Poll, heads to Pasadena on Thursday to open Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) competition against Caltech at 7:30 p.m.