(HILLSDALE, Mich.) – The Walsh women's basketball team started the New Year off the right way with a hard-fought defensive win by a score of 66-60 against Hillsdale. The Cavaliers (7-3, 4-1) forced the Chargers (5-4, 2-3) into a majority of their 31 turnovers with a season-best 18 steals.

The game was competitive throughout as neither team held a lead larger than six points until midway through the fourth quarter. That's when Alex Hochstedler scored a 3-pointer to put Walsh up 59-52. After one of the numerous turnovers by the Chargers, Allison Butler scored on a jumper to give the Cavs their largest lead at 61-52 with 5:13 to play. It was a part of a 15-3 run that Walsh used to change momentum in its favor down the stretch.

Hillsdale's Becca Sherting did bring the hosts within a single possession after a layup made the score 61-58 with 2:22 to go, but Walsh didn't allow another field goal the rest of the way.

Defensively Walsh gave Hillsdale problems throughout the game. Four of its five starters and five players overall had multiple steals. Hochstedler and Brittni Clopton led the way with four each. Brooklyn Wooten and Jalynn Graham both had three.

On the offensive end, Hochstedler added 15 points as she was 5-of-10 from the field with a pair of treys. She pulled down seven rebounds for co-game high honors with Wooten and made three assists.

Butler provided a helpful spark off the bench with 13 points and with three 3-pointers. Two of them came at pivotal moments as she tied the game at the end of the third quarter and gave the Cavs the lead once again early in the fourth quarter. She was also 5-of-10 from the field. Kelsey Funderburgh scored 10 points and also added two treys.

Hillsdale was paced by Scherting who scored 14 points. Kayla Geffert added 11 off the bench.

Walsh now hits the road to Saginaw Valley State. Tip-off with the Cardinals is set for 6 p.m.