The second time around, the Hope College women's basketball team found its footing against a much-improved opponent.

The top-ranked Flying Dutch shifted into high gear midway through the first half and earned a 94-56 victory against Finlandia University on Friday during the Hope Tournament at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Hope, now 4-0 overall and winners of 48 consecutive games, outscored the Lions, 33-7, during the second quarter to take a 54-23 halftime lead. The decisive stretch came after a strong start by Finlandia, which lost by only seven points at No. 17 Wisconsin-Oshkosh earlier this season.

"They are tracking in the right direction," head coach Brian Morehouse said of the Lions led by head coach Mariah Dunham. "It was a feeling out process at first. We didn't make shots. They're a much-improved team. 

"The consistency the starters came with the next time they were on the court and how they responded was big. The second unit, too. We had a nice little run there."

Photo by Hannah Smith by Lynne Powe

The Flying Dutch buried five 3-pointers in nine attempts during the second quarter after sinking only two during the first 10 minutes. Hope also went to the free-throw line much more often: 12 times with eight makes during the second quarter and three times with just one make in the first quarter.

Defensively, Hope forced 14 Finlandia second-quarter turnovers after only six during the first quarter. The Lions (0-3) made only three baskets, including one 3-pointer, after a 16-point first quarter.

Senior forward Olivia Voskuil (Holland, Michigan / Holland Christian) recorded three of her game-high five steals during the second quarter. Senior guard Kasey DeSmit (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) also had all three of her steals during the second quarter. The Flying Dutch matched their second-high with 22 steals.

Senior forward Kate Majerus (Sycamore, Illinois / Sycamore) topped Hope with a game-high 13 points that included two second-quarter 3-pointers.

Voskuil also reached double figures with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Seven other Flying Dutch chipped in at least seven points. DeSmit and senior forward Hannah Smith (Midland, Michigan / Midland) had nine points apiece. DeSmit, like Majerus, made three 3-pointers.

Bailey Froberg's 12 points led Finlandia.

Hope's next game is Saturday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse against No. 21-ranked Baldwin-Wallace University (Ohio).

After the game, there will be a free team poster giveaway and autographs with Flying Dutch players and coaches.

Baldwin Wallace defeated Olivet College, 95-29, in Friday's first game. The Yellowjackets (2-0) sank 17 3-pointers for the game and held Olivet scoreless during the third quarter.