by Alan Babbitt

Kate Majerus is on target from 3-point range more often than not for the Hope College women's basketball team.

The senior from Sycamore, Illinois (Sycamore HS) delivered twice in the opening moments at Olivet College on Saturday and launched the third-ranked Flying Dutch to a 94-44 victory.

Majerus, pictured left, buried her first two shots — both 3-pointers — to spark the Flying Dutch to an 8-3 lead in the first 1 minutes, 21 seconds. Hope never trailed and marched to a 52-19 halftime lead.

Majerus finished with nine points after shooting 75 percent from the field. The forward went 3-of-4 from 3-point range, her only attempts from the floor.

After the game, Majerus is shooting an MIAA-leading 55.6 percent from 3 on the season (35-63). She would lead NCAA Division III in 3-point percentage if she averaged at least two 3s made per game.

"Kate is the highest 3-point shooter in my memory," head coach Brian Morehouse said of Majerus, who also finished last season at 56.8 percent from 3-point range. "She allows others room to operate because she spaces the court. If they help off her,  it's 3 points. If they don't help, someone else gets to the rim.

"Kate is a great weapon to have for our team. She is much improved on defense and rebounding this year. She is a well-rounded player."

With the victory, Hope improved to 21-1 overall and 13-1 in MIAA play. The Flying Dutch remain tied for first place in the league standings with Trine University.

Guard Ella McKinney, pictured right, also helped propel Hope early against Olivet. The junior from Haslett, Michigan (Haslett) scored 10 of her game-high 15 points off the bench during the first half.

In 15 minutes, McKinney shot 66.7 percent from the field (4-6), including 100 percent from the 3-point range (3-3). She also sank all three of her free-throw attempts.

McKinney and Majerus combined for six of Hope's seven 3-pointers.

Starting center Olivia Voskuil chipped in 10 points. The senior from Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian) also grabbed a team-best six rebounds.

Senior guard Sydney Muller (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) and senior forward Hannah Smith (Midland, Michigan / Midland) chipped in nine points apiece. 

Junior guard Meg Morehouse (Zeeland, Michigan / Zeeland East) added eight points. All 15 Hope players scored.

Olivet (2-20, 0-14 MIAA) was led by Alicia Bullaro's 16 points.

The Flying Dutch's next game is Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Adrian College. Hope concludes the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. at Kalamazoo College.