DIXON, Ill. – No. 18 Parkland women's basketball outscored Sauk Valley by 23 points in the second half to break open a halftime tie, defeating the Skyhawks 71-48. The Cobras were led by 42 points off the bench, including a team-high 14 from sophomore Alexus Cole.

With 11 different players scoring in the road victory, Parkland again received quality production off the bench with the Cobras reserves tallying 42 points. Through three games, head coach Mike Lindeman's squad is averaging 38.3 points per game off the bench.

Leading the scoring on Wednesday night was Cole's season-high 14 points, 12 of which came off four of Parkland's five three-pointers. Joining Cole in double figures, freshman Emily Meinert added in 10 points, while Madelyn Brouwer, Micah Tapscott and Crystal Mathis each chipped in eight apiece.

Aiding the offensive production were 21 assists on 26 made shot attempts and 14 of 19 made free throws. Point guard Olivia Babcock dished out five assists to lead the team, while Cole, Shoente'ra Russell and Gemma Recasens each had three assists.  

Allowing its lowest scoring total so far this season, Parkland held Sauk Valley in check on the glass and in the turnover battle. Tallying 38 total rebounds, the Cobras recovered 13 of their own misses to go along with 25 defensive boards, led individually by six rebounds apiece from Alex Specht, Meinert and Lotte Miller. In addition to the rebounds, Specht also rejected three Skyhawk shots, while Recasens, Babcock and Russell each picked up three steals for nine of Parkland's 14 takeaways.

Up next, Parkland women's basketball returns home for a Saturday, November 10, afternoon matchup against Olney Central. Tipoff between the Cobras and Blue Knights is scheduled for 1 p.m. central time.