The Hope College women's basketball rolled to an 80–52 victory over Carthage College (Wisconsin) on Friday evening at DeVos Fieldhouse in the inaugural Michele Schoon Classic, using balanced scoring and relentless defense to control the game for their second consecutive home court victory and fifth win overall.

Michele Sterk Schoon, a 1991 Hope graduate, was a member of the 1990 Women's Basketball National Championship team and the 2023 recipient of the Hope for Humanity Award that honored her lifelong commitment to service and to others.

Michele passed away in May of 2023 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. This tournament dedication continues to celebrate her legacy. 

Against Carthage, the nationally-ranked Flying Dutch (5-1) briefly trailed in the opening quarter, but quickly answered with energy and execution. After falling behind 6–3, Hope's defense tightened, forcing turnovers that led to transition baskets.

Hope closed the period on a surge to take a 14–9 lead. By halftime, Hope had stretched the margin to 34–22. The third quarter proved decisive with Hope outscoring Carthage 27–15, and converting all 15 free throws during the period. 

The Orange and Blue's depth shined, as the bench poured in 33 points overall. Junior Chloe Brunsberg (Chaska, Minnesota / Southwest Christian HS) delivered 10 points off the bench

Sophomore Anna Richards (DeWitt, Michigan /Lansing Catholic) led Hope with 17 points, senior Sydney Vis (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian) scored 12 points on 5-for-5 shooting. Both Richards and Vis collected a team-high six rebounds. 

Junior Terin Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Jenison) chipped in 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting. 

Hope returns to the floor on Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m. to take on Illinois Wesleyan University in a matchup of nationally-ranked teams. IWU defeated Franciscan University (Ohio), 88-56, in Friday's first game.