A strong opening surge propelled the ninth-ranked Hope College women's basketball team to an early advantage Thursday afternoon in Atlanta, Georgia, as the Flying Dutch set the tone in a 72-52 win against Pacific University (Oregon) in the first meeting between the two teams.

The Orange and Blue finished Oglethorpe University's TownePlace Suites Classic with a 2-0 record after winning twice in two days. On Wednesday, Hope beat Oglethorpe, 68-57.

The Flying Dutch (10-1) came out attacking the paint on both ends, scoring early and often around the rim while locking down defensively. Hope jumped out to a 20–7 lead after the opening 10 minutes, shooting 50 percent in the quarter and holding Pacific to just three made field goals.

Overall, Hope shot 41.9 percent from the field, connected on nine three-pointers, and went an efficient 11-of-12 at the free-throw line.

The Flying Dutch also matched their season-high in 3-pointers, equaling Wednesday's behind-the-arc high against Oglethorpe.

Sophomore Maddie Petroelje (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) led Hope with 15 points, while sophomore Anna Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Catholic) and senior Sydney Vis (Byron Center, South Christian) each finished with 12 points.

Richards pulled down a team-high six rebounds, with Petroelje and Maynard collecting five each. 

Freshman Josie DeSmit (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) paced the offense with four assists.

Hope returns to the court in the new year, hosting The Rivalry against Calvin University on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 4 p.m. in DeVos Fieldhouse.