NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The Westminster College women's basketball team defeated Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) opponent, Thiel College, by a score of 76-36 at home on Saturday.
 
Westminster's eight-game winning streak is the longest winning streak to start a season in program history and ties the longest overall winning streak since the 2006-07 season.
 
Westminster (8-0, 2-0 PAC) held an 11-7 lead over Thiel (0-9, 0-1 PAC) at the end of the first quarter, before outscoring the Tomcats 26-11 in the second to take a 37-17 lead at the halftime break. By the end of the third quarter, the Titans held a 54-25 lead and cruised to victory in the fourth quarter.
 
The Titans shot 45.2% (28-62) from the field, including a season-best 90% (18-20) mark from the free throw line. Thiel was 26.9% (14-52) from the field. The Titans forced 22 turnovers, generating 20 points off of turnovers and out-rebounded Thiel 52-26. Westminster also grabbed 16 offensive rebounds in the contest.
 
Senior forward Kayla Bennett (Kent, OH / Theodore Roosevelt) led the way for the Titans with a game and season-high 18 points to go along with a career-high 15 rebounds to notch her first double-double of the season and the second of her career. Sophomore guard Magen Polczynski (Irwin, PA / Norwin) chipped in 15 points off of a 7-10 mark from the floor to go along with four rebounds and a pair of assists. Senior forward Emily Fromknecht (Erie, PA / McDowell) scored 11 points, registered five rebounds and added a game-high four assists. Senior guard Aliya Gage (New Castle, PA / Mohawk) was also in double figures with 10 points and was 4-5 from the floor. First-year guard Natalie Murrio (Pittsburgh, PA / Brentwood) contributed four points and six rebounds.
 
Westminster will be back on the court Monday, December 16 when it travels to Waynesburg University for a PAC contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.