Bulldog women open with win

By STEVE SELL, Sentinel Sports Editor

OKLAHOMA CITY -- McPherson College's Erica Alvarez made the quick transition from the volleyball court to the basketball court.

Alvarez, who played her final volleyball match as a Bulldog on Tuesday, showed no effects of a lack of practice time Thursday in Mac's season opener.

Alvarez poured in 26 points to lead the Bulldogs to an 81-76 victory over Ozark Christian in the opening round of the Mid-America Classic.

Mac plays Southwestern Christian University in today's second round.

The Bulldogs got off to a slow start, trailing 32-29 at halftime.

But Mac sizzled in the second half, unloading on the Lady Ambassadors for 52 points.

In addition to Alvarez, who was 10 of 17 from the field, Crystal Richardson and Kelly Tello scored 15 points apiece and Tello had a double-double as she also pulled down 10 rebounds.

Brenna Schierling gave Mac four players in double figures with 10 points, while Christa Blose just missed twin digits with 9.

Mac scoring (81) -- Schierling 10, Blose 9, Tello 15, Richardson 15, Wilder 2, Alvarez 26, Kline 4.