Oberlin, Ohio – The senior backcourt duo of Caroline Hamilton and Lindsey Bernhardt combined for 34 points to lead the Oberlin College women's basketball team to a 75-44 season-opening win over Olivet College on Saturday night at Philips Gym.
 
Like she was much of last year, Hamilton was a spark plug off the Oberlin bench, going 6-of-9 from the floor, which included a 4-of-5 performance from beyond the arc.
 
A total of 10 different Yeowomen scored in the game, with the bench bunch producing 39 points in the win. Eleanor Van Buren was a big part of that second unit as she scored nine points and added six rebounds in 16 minutes of work.
 
Sophomore Tyler Parlor, who debuted point guard, ripped down a game-high 12 rebounds and added seven points. In her first collegiate game, 6-foot-2 center Olivia Canning added nine boards and three blocks.
 
Oberlin took control in the first period, grabbing a 13-4 lead with 3:03 left in the frame on one of four Hamilton triple-hits. The Yeowomen would build their cushion up to 12 but after 10 minutes of action they led by 10, 20-10.
 
The second quarter started with an 8-0 Oberlin run and the barrage only continued from there. The Yeowomen opened up a 24-point advantage; following a 3-pointer from rookie Alexandra Stipano to make it 41-17 game with 1:55 left in the first half. The Yeowomen ultimately took a 42-21 lead into the intermission.
 
The third quarter was sloppy on both sides, but the Yeowomen regained their sharp shooting in the fourth as they cruised to the easy victory.
 
Oberlin shot 43.6-pecent (24-of-55) from the floor, which included an impressive 9-of-21 (42.9%) performance from 3-point range.  The Comets checked in at just 26.5-percent (18-of-68) and struggled woefully at the free throw line where they were just 7-of-23 (30.4%).
 
The Yeowomen won the rebounding battle 56-40, scoring 18 second-chance points compared to Olivet's 10.
 
Oberlin won't have much time to celebrate as it goes right back to work on Monday night, crossing state lines into Pennsylvania to take on the Tomcats of Thiel. Tip-time is set for 7 p.m.