By Ashley Birchmeier
The No. 10 nationally ranked Ohio Northern women's basketball team conclude the regular season with a 64-48 victory over Marietta Saturday afternoon at the Ban Johnson Arena.
The Polar Bears finish the season 22-3 overall, 17-1 Ohio Atheltic Conference, while Marietta finishes 12-13, 6-12.
Northern was led in the contest by senior Precious Ramsey with a team-high 11 points and eight rebounds.
Senior Karissa Steffas also had an impressive day, finishing with a game and career-high 14 rebounds, while netting nine points for ONU.
Northern took the early lead, jumping to a quick 10-2 advantage following a three pointer from senior Carly Thomas with 6:49 remaining in the first period.
The Polar Bears defense continued to stifle the Pioneers, holding them to just four first quarter points en route to the 17-4 first quarter advantage.
Following a three pointer from Marietta's Morgan Liedtke to open the second period, ONU would respond with an 8-0 run led by senior Brooke Espenschied to extend its lead to 27-7 with 7:24 remaining till halftime.
Northern would edge Marietta in scoring 17-13 in the second period to claim the 34-17 lead at the intermission.
Junior Britt Lauck would spark another ONU 6-0 run in the third quarter to push the lead to 44-21 with 6:37 to play in the period.
Freshman Jenna Dirksen would lead ONU late in the period, sinking a pair of free throws to put ONU on top 54-24 with one quarter remaining.
ONU would go on to shoot 25-for-65 in the contest en route to the 64-48 victory.
The Polar Bears would win the rebound battle, out rebounding Marietta by a 56-36 margin.
Northern won the OAC regular season title and recieved a double bye in the OAC Tournament. The Polar Bears return to action Thursday, Feb. 25, with OAC Tournament Semifinal action at 7:30 p.m. at the ONU Sports Center.
