Springfield, Mo. – Evangel women's basketball opened the Heart of America conference season with a  Thursday night 55-45 victory over Avila at the Ashcroft Center.

Taylor Longley led the Crusaders with a game-high 26 points. The sophomore transfer knocked down eight of 11 three pointers, added four rebounds and one assist. Longley had 20 points at the half. Allison  Swanson chipped in with a double-double, dropping in 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Avila was led by Rebekah Capeder, who scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for her own double-double.

The Crusaders shot 37% from the field, and 44% from three point land. Avila shot 35% from the field, but only 9% from three. The Crusaders were outrebounded by one, 36-35, but one the turnover battle 10-7 over the Eagles. Evangel also had a 13-9 advantage in assists. The Crusaders shot 1-2 from the free throw line, while the Eagles shot 10-18.

The Crusaders improve to 2-4 on the season, and start the HAAC schedule 1-0. The Eagles fall to 3-2, and 0-1 in the Heart.

Evangel next travels to Peru State (Neb.) for a conference showdown Saturday at 2 p.m.

For additional information, contact:
Kevin Kennedy, Evangel University Athletics, (417) 865-2815, ext. 7260