CENTER VALLEY, PA – Host DeSales University jumped out to a 51-28 lead at the half and never looked back posting an 89-46 MAC Freedom victory against Wilkes University Wednesday night at Billera Hall.
 
Wilkes slipped to 4-18 overall and 0-11 in conference play following the defeat, while DeSales improved to 12-10 overall and 7-4 in MAC Freedom games. With the win DeSales swept the season series.
 
DeSales led from start to finish in the first half taking its largest lead late in the second quarter 51-26. The Bulldogs connected on five first half three-pointers shooting 45.9 percent (17-37) from the field and 12-for-16 from the foul line. Chelsea Erkes (Wernersville, PA/Conrad Weiser) led Wilkes off the bench tallying eight first half points including a 4-for-4 performance from the free throw line.
 
The DeSales lead grew to 63-30 midway through the third quarter as the Bulldogs opened the second half on a 12-2 run over the first four minutes. Wilkes managed just eight points in the third frame with Gianna Roberts (Nanticoke, PA/Nanticoke) netting six of the eight tallies.
 
DeSales used its transition offense throughout the final frame scoring four straight fast break layups to open its largest advantage of the contest 87-44 with just over a minute remaining. Sierra Smith (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee), Maddie Kelly, Emily Sofranko (Jim Thorpe, PA/Marian Catholic) and Sarah O'Hara (Doylestown, PA/Central Bucks West) all scored for Wilkes in the stanza.
 
Roberts was the lone double figure scorer for Wilkes in the game finishing with ten points and eight rebounds. Wilkes shot just 29.2 percent (14-48) from the field and went 0-for-15 from behind the arc. It marked the first time this season the Lady Colonels did not make a three-pointer.
 
DeSales was led by Kaitlin Kelly and Bridget Walsh each scoring a game-high 14 points while combining for 14 rebounds.
 
Wilkes returns home Saturday hosting local rival Misericordia University at 1:00 p.m. at the Marts Center.