The final horn echoed through DeVos Fieldhouse as the scoreboard glowed 80-44 on Wednesday evening, a decisive February statement for the 11th-ranked Hope College women's basketball team over Albion College. 

The win avenged an overtime loss on the Britons' home court last month and improved the Flying Dutch to 21-3 overall and 13-2 in MIAA play.  The Orange and Blue also clinched the No. 2 seed in next week's MIAA Tournament and claimed a first-round bye.

Against Albion, Hope's start was steady, if not yet overwhelming. The Flying Dutch established themselves defensively, contesting shots and controlling the glass, building to a 17-8 edge after one quarter. 

The separation came in the second quarter, and unfolded like a crescendo, steady at first and then overwhelming.  Hope shot nearly 59 percent in the second frame and outscored Albion 25-12. By halftime, the Flying Dutch had constructed a 42–20 advantage.

The Orange and Blue lead stretched beyond 30 in the third quarter. Hope controlled tempo, shared the basketball, and extended the advantage to 64-32 entering the fourth.

Hope showcased its balance offensively, placing four players in double figures. Senior Sydney Vis (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian HS) led all scorers with 18 points on 75% shooting (8-of-12).

Sophomore Anna Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Catholic) scored added 15 points and three assists, while sophomore Leah Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Catholic) and sophomore Maddie Petroelje (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) each contributed 12 points. 

Leah Richards also grabbed six rebounds, and Petroelje pulled down five.

As a team, Hope converted 23 Albion turnovers into 32 points and scored 38 points in the paint.

Hope hosts MIAA champ and nationally-ranked Trine in the regular-season finale on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse.