By Scott DeWeerd, '15

The Albion College women's basketball team turned back Dominican University Tuesday night in the team's home opener by a score of 69-47. 

The teams exchanged runs through the first 28 minutes of the game, neither team leading by more than five at any point. Trailing 38-37 with 14-minutes remaining in regulation, Mikaela Bromley and the high pressure Briton defense held Dominican scoreless for a stretch of more than five minutes to take a 46-38 lead.

"Mikaela stepped up and played really well in the second half," Head Coach Doreen Carden said. "She set the tone. The pressure got our offense going — it led to easy baskets and gave us confidence." 

Albion's full-court trap forced 27 turnovers leading to 27 points on the other end. Bromley ended the game with a season-high 16 points on 5-of-11 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. 

A Shamia Clark jumper ended Dominican's scoreless streak but Albion would respond by holding them without a basket for the next six possessions. The Britons used the defensive dominance to extend their lead to 14 potions and they never looked back.

First-year forward Erin Nelson put up 18 points, making her the only Albion player to have scored in double digits in every game so far this season. 

"Erin is playing really well," said Carden. "She's stepped into her role. She's scoring points and doing what we need her to do." 

Albion overcome a poor shooting night by getting to the free throw line 26 times.  

"We were looking to attack the basket and get easy shots," Carden said. 

The Britonss won the battle on the glass as well finishing with 20 offensive rebounds and a total rebound margin of plus 10. 

"Rebounding is a point of emphasis for us," said Carden. "Especially on the offensive glass where it can lead to easy points." 

Darian Payne played a big role in the team's rebound margin as she rolled up 12 boards to go along with 11 points, her second double-double of the season. 

Albion returns to the court next Monday, Dec. 1 as they host Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association rival Olivet at 7:30 p.m. in the conference opener for both teams.