by Alan Babbitt

Before heading home for the Thanksgiving holiday, the No. 1-ranked and unbeaten Hope College women's basketball team has one more assist to make at DeVos Fieldhouse.

And it has nothing to do with adding to the Flying Dutch's now 50-game winning streak.

On Wednesday morning, Hope student-athletes and coaches will help set up DeVos Fieldhouse for the Holland Rescue Mission's Great Thanksgiving Banquet. The free event, last held in 2019, is expected to serve more than 1,000 people. 

Everyone in the community is invited to the banquet; doors open at 5:30 p.m. Masks are required inside DeVos Fieldhouse. In addition, the Holland Rescue Mission will distribute around 500 care boxes, packed by local churches, that contain household and hygiene supplies for those guests who need them.

"We want to give back to the community," head coach Brian Morehouse said. "We have a lot to be thankful for, and our players recognize that."

The Flying Dutch (5-0 overall) feasted on another opponent Tuesday night at DeVos Fieldhouse, defeating Grace Christian University, 104-27.

Hope matched Amherst College (Mass.), which won 50 games in a row from January 14, 2011 to March 10, 2012. Hope and Amherst are tied for seventh-longest winning streak in NCAA Division III women's basketball history.

The Flying Dutch's current run began on November 8, 2019, with a 78-48 victory against Luther College (Iowa) in Rock Island, Illinois. Seven hundred and 46 days and now three seasons later, the Flying Dutch have kept winning.

Against Grace Christian (3-3), Hope started fast with a 26-6 lead after the first quarter.

The Flying Dutch reached the century mark for the second time this season and the 31st time in team history.

Hope received from everyone who played, including four who finished in double figures. Junior Claire Baguley (Ada, Michigan . Forest Hills Central HS) and senior Kasey DeSmit (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville), pictured left tor ight, scored 11 points apiece.

Seniors Kate Majerus (Sycamore, Illinois / Sycamore) and Kenedy Schoonveld chipped in 10 points apiece. 

The Flying Dutch recorded 19 assists with 11 players getting at least one.

Grace Christian guard Ashley Wilkes scored a game-high 14 points.

Hope's next game is Wednesday, Dec. 1, at home against Calvin University. TIpoff is 7;30 p.m.

The Flying Dutch, however, will turn their attention on their next game when they return from Thanksgiving and time with family.

"This is an important break time for us," Morehouse said. "Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. There is nothing attached to it other than just being grateful for what you've been blessed with each and every day, and that includes the challenges."