(NORTH CANTON, Ohio) – Walsh picked up a strong win in its first game of GLIAC South Division with a 64-50 decision over visiting Ashland. The Cavs (11-4, 5-4) continue their best start to a season since the 2010-11 campaign. It was the first time they have defeated the Eagles (9-6, 5-4) since 2002-03 when both schools were members of the Greater Ohio Athletic Conference.

After a poor first half where both teams struggled offensively, Walsh took control with a fast start in the second half. Down 22-20 at the half, the Cavs went on a 16-4 run capped by a Kelsey Funderburgh (5-7, Jr., North Lewisburg, OH/Triad) 3-pointer that made the score 36-26. Another 3-pointer, this time by Alex Hochstedler (5-9, Fr., Fishers, IN/HS), gave Walsh a 42-28 lead just a couple of minutes later for their largest lead of the game up to that point.

Ashland was able to cut the deficit to 50-44 after an Andi Daugherty basket, but Walsh scored the next seven points on a pair of baskets by Whitney Dabbelt (6-0, Sr., West Carrollton, OH/Archbishop Alter) and a trey by Audrey Badovick (5-5, Sr., Norwalk, OH/St. Paul). The Cavs led by double-digits the rest of the way and eventually led by 15 late in the game.

Funderburgh led the Cavs with 15 points and was the only Walsh player in double figures. The Eagles were led by Laina Snyder with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

The Cavs' defense suffocated the Eagles with 13 steals. Ashland hurt themselves a fair amount as well with 11 additional turnovers.

The Cavs will be on the road for their next game which comes this Saturday against Lake Erie. It will be Walsh's fourth game of the season in Painesville after it played the first three games of the season up there with wins against Central State, Salem International, and Ursuline. Tip-off against the Storm is set for 1 p.m.