MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team (5-0 overall) took down the William Woods Owls (4-2 overall) by a score of 71-47. 

Northwest went into the under five-minute timeout on a 9-4 run, forcing six turnovers by the Owls. The Bearcats led 15-9 at the end of the first quarter. 

The Bearcats led the Owls 33-22 at the break. Northwest dominated the paint in the first half, scoring 20 points in the paint to the Owls' 12. In the first half, the Owls turned the ball over 16 times.

In the third quarter, Northwest scored five points in the final minute before the media timeout. The Bearcats led 47–32 after Lindsey Kelderman made a three-pointer to force a William Woods timeout. The Bearcats continued its defensive dominance to defeat the Owls, 71-47. 

Northwest's defense was tenacious in the second half, forcing 25 turnovers in total. Jayna Green was a defensive force for the team, setting a new career high with seven steals. The 'Cats had a total of 14 steals as a team. 

The Bearcats were led by Molly Hartnett and Caely Kesten, who each scored 15 points. Along with Hartnett's 15 points, she had three assists, four rebounds, and three steals. 

Northwest will open MIAA play Thursday, Nov. 30, when it plays host the Missouri Southern Lions at 5:30 p.m.