Senior Emma Ruhlman dribbling ball Courtesy Hillsdale College Athletic Department

The Hillsdale women’s basketball team won its first three games over winter break at home before losing its next two on the road, moving its record to 7–5 on the season. 

“We have proven we are capable of being an elite team, but we have to focus on consistency as we move forward,” head coach Brianna Brennan said. “We have to minimize our bad spurts and capitalize when we are up in games.” 

The Chargers defeated Saginaw Valley State University 70–58 Dec. 20, No. 19-ranked Malone University 61–54 Jan. 3, and Walsh University 60–53 Jan 5. 

Senior guard Emma Ruhlman led the Chargers with 16 points and 14 rebounds in their win against Malone University, on her way to earning her first Great Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week honor of her career. 

“It was probably the best game of my career,” Ruhlman said. “It was a career high for me in points and rebounds, and my first ever double-double. Being able to do so against the No. 19 team in the country was really special.”  

Junior guard Annalise Pietrzyk scored a career-high 30 points with 6 of 9 shooting from three-point range, and added a team-high eight rebounds in Hillsdale’s win against Walsh University.

“After my first three, I kind of took a sigh of relief because I could just tell my shot felt good,” Pietrzyk said. “I was just letting the game come to me. Plus, they were so worried about our posts inside, it opened me up more.”

After their homestand, the Chargers lost on the road to Kentucky Wesleyan College 68–44 Jan. 8 and Thomas More University 69–65 Jan. 10. 

Junior forward Savannah Smith led the Chargers with 11 points and five rebounds in their loss against Kentucky Wesleyan College. The Chargers had 27 turnovers against the Panthers.

Sophomore guard Emilia Sularski scored a team-high 20 points while also shooting 6 of 9 from three-point range against Thomas More University. Ruhlman had a team-high 10 rebounds.

“Emilia Sularski had a huge breakout game,” Brennan said. “Freshman guard Maddie Smith had nine assists in the Thomas More game, which is incredibly impressive. Her court vision, passing and ability to connect with teammates is next-level.” 

With the road losses, the Chargers’ conference record moved to 3–3.

“Our goal is to make sure we are playing our best basketball in March, and we can’t wait to keep working to do that,” Brennan said.

The Chargers will play at home against Cedarville University Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

“The G-MAC is such a tough conference,” Ruhlman said. “Every game is important, and Thursday against Cedarville should be a great game. Our fans really help give us the home court advantage.”