Lynchburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's basketball team used a dominant middle stretch and balanced scoring effort to pull away from Meredith in a 78-62 home win on Sunday afternoon in Turner Gym.

After trailing 15-11 in the first quarter, the Hornets (5-1) responded with a decisive 23-point second period and allowed just 11 points during that frame, never surrendering the lead from then on. They followed up with a 26-point third quarter and 18-point fourth to seal the victory. Bree Spainhour powered the offensive push with an efficient 20 points on seven-for-12 shooting while adding eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. Her steady play inside and in transition helped ignite an 11-0 second-quarter run that gave Lynchburg its first significant cushion of the day.

Audra Petty and Brooke Cason delivered a strong all-around performances as Petty finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal while Cason added 13 points, three assists, three steals, two boards and one block. Madison Hoffman anchored the offense effectively as well, totaling six points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Lynchburg's impressive offensive production - especially in the second half shooting .485 percent from the field - helped them earn a 13-9 advantage in second-chance points and a 40-32 edge for points in the paint. Lynchburg's depth proved crucial, with the bench contributing 22 points. Aly Schaffer provided a boost with nine points while Taylor Brown contributed eight points and forced three opponent turnovers. Caitlin Canada added five points and four rebounds to round out the Hornets' bench scoring. 

After taking a 34-26 lead into halftime, Lynchburg surged again with a 26-point third quarter, tying their highest-scoring period of the season. The Hornets stretched the advantage to as many as 17 points with 85 seconds left in the game. Lynchburg forced Meredith into 16 turnovers and converted them into 17 points.

The Hornets will return to action for an ODAC matchup against Hollins in Turner Gym on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

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