The William Jewell women's basketball team continued their march towards pursuing a return appearance at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament with their fourth consecutive win in a 55-38 victory over McKendree on Monday night. The Cardinals have battled back to get above .500 for the first time since December 3 when they stood at 4-2 overall. After Monday's win, Jewell is 12-11, and 8-7 in GLVC play. 

A strong defensive stand in the second quarter helped preserve a 23-11 lead at the break despite shooting just 30 percent in the opening half. Jewell allowed zero points to the Bearcats in the second frame. 

In the third quarter, the Cardinal lead grew to as many as 20 at the 6:01 mark, following a lay up from Kayla Harrell. The Bearcats did not go quietly as the visitors went on a 13-2 run, which included hitting 7-of-8 free throws to pull within nine with 30 seconds remaining in the period. Two free throws from Natalie Closser pushed the lead back to double-digits at 11 to start the final quarter. 

McKendree attempted to mount a rally over the first five minutes of the fourth period however, the Cardinals kept them at bay, leading by 13 with just over four minutes to play. Jewell was clutch from the free throw line over the final two minutes, as Hayden Butler and Lindsey McCoy each connected on two while Maddie Nelson hit two buckets in the final minute to put the game on ice. 

Overall, Nelson led the Cardinals with 16 points while McCoy added 14 with Closser scoring a career-high 13 while pulling down four boards. As a team Jewell shot 39 percent from the floor but just 18 percent (3-of-16) from behind the three point line. Jewell was also out-rebounded (47-34) but managed to force 18 turnovers, leading to 16 Cardinal points, while committing just eight turnovers themselves. 

Up next the Cardinals pack up for their final weekend road trip as they will travel to play Truman State and Quincy on Thursday and Saturday respectively.