PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College women's basketball team (5-1) raced out to an early lead and recorded a decisive 68-50 road victory over La Roche University (0-5) in non-conference play Tuesday evening.

Katie Kovalchick (Shelocta, Pa./Indiana Area) scored a game-high 17 points in the victory. Raegan Kadlecik (McKees Rocks, Pa./Montour) and Stellanie Loutsion (Canonsburg, Pa./Canon-McMillan) rounded out a trio of double-digit scorers with 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Marina Grado (Monroeville, Pa./Gateway) filled the stat sheet team highs in rebounds (8), assists (4) and steals (4) to go along with six points.

The Presidents raced out to an early lead behind a strong opening quarter of play. W&J led by a 27-7 margin after the first 10 minutes of action. The Red and Black converted at a 50 percent clip with makes on 11-of-22 attempts in the first quarter. Five-straight points by Kadlecik made it an early 9-2 advantage for the Presidents. W&J added on the next seven points, including a triple by Kovalchick, to swell its lead to 16-2. A three-point play by Michelle Jellison (Monongahela, Pa./Elizabeth Forward) made the lead 21-4 at the 3:38 mark. Consecutive field goals by Shannon Conley (West Mifflin, Pa./West Mifflin) allowed W&J to lead 27-7 by the end of the first.

W&J continued to hold a commanding advantage throughout the second quarter. The Presidents extended their lead to 37-13 with a three-point make by senior forward Brianna Toal (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) midway through the frame. The Presidents carried a 42-17 lead into halftime.

The Presidents offense went cold from the field in the second half. However, W&J was able to maintain its sizable lead due to good work at the free throw line. The Red and Black converted on 12-of-15 free throw attempts over the final two quarters.

W&J held advantages in points off turnovers (28-14), bench points (19-2) and fast break points (19-7).

Following a brief break for Thanksgiving, W&J will return to action with its Presidents' Athletic Conference opener on Wednesday, Dec. 3 when league rival Chatham University visits the Salvitti Family Gymnasium. The league contest is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m.