A strong opening stretch set the tone, and the nationally-ranked Hope College women's basketball team carried that momentum to an 81-43, milestone win at The Olivet University on Saturday.

The victory was the 400th against MIAA opponents in head coach Brian Morehouse's distinguished 30-year career. He's 400-46 all-time in MIAA play (.897) and 752-106 against all opponents (.876).

The Flying Dutch improved to 20–3 on the season and 12-2 in MIAA play.

The Orange and Blue can clinch the No. 2 seed in the MIAA Tournament with a victory at home on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. against third-place Albion College at DeVos Fieldhouse. The Britons handed Hope its second MIAA defeat, 60-54, in overtime on Jan. 28 at Albion.

Hope streaked to a 18–6, first-quarter lead against Olivet (2-21, 0-14) lead by using defensive pressure to create extra possessions. The Flying Dutch forced seven of the Comets' 22 turnovers during the opening 10 minutes.

The Orange and Blue produced 22 points off Comet turnovers for the game.

Hope extended its lead to 45-22 by halftime. The Flying Dutch shot 52.9% from the field during the second quarter their most efficient stretch of the afternoon. 

Sophomore Anna Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Christian HS) led the Orange andn Blue with 11 points, knocking down two 3.

Senior Sydney Vis (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian) and junior Terin Maynard (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Jenison) each added 10 points.

Sophomore Leah Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Christian) grabbed six rebounds, while freshman Bayli Stewart (Cement City, Michigan / Western) pulled down five boards. 

The Flying Dutch bench put up 34 points and outrebounded Olivet, 45-35.