KEARNEY, Neb. --- Highlighted by 53.8 percent shooting, the Washburn women's basketball team used a strong second half to rally past Nebraska-Kearney 57-48 Saturday evening to claim its first conference win of the season. With the result, the Ichabods improved to 7-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA, while head coach Ron McHenry now stands four shy 400 career victories.

Despite taking a 13-11 lead late into the opening quarter, the Ichabods struggled during the first half as they completed 6 of 25 attempts from the floor including a 1 for 10 effort during the second stanza allowing Nebraska-Kearney (3-8, 0-4 MIAA) to take a 27-18 lead into the break.

Washburn started the third quarter quickly as it accounted for 15 of 20 points to take a 33-32 lead with 5:31 remaining. The run was started by an Erin Dohnalek layup and maintained with points from Erika Lane, Jharian Bowen and Reagan Phelan. During the stretch, Washburn were 6-of-6 shooting including three 3-pointers. Phelan lead the way six points.

UNK then took its final lead of the game at the 5:19 mark with shot from distance to make it 35-33.

Before the end of the period, Washburn reclaimed the lead with a jumper from Charisma Alexander to make it 39-37.

In the fourth, Washburn bumped the margin to four early until Nieka Wheeler helped UNK to knot the contest at 43 with 6:46 left. The UNK comeback was then stifled as the WU defense did not allow the Lopers a shot from the field for the remainder of the contest.

Washburn then cruised to its 57-48 final following the go-ahead basket from Makayla Vargo.

The 'Bods were led by Phelan and Lane as the both carded double-digit scoring efforts with 13 and 12 points respectively. Vargo accounted for nine of the Washburn's 18 bench points. Bowen finished with eight points and seven rebounds. Phelan also distributed a game-high five assists and four rebounds. Felisha Gibbs pulled down nine boards to lead all players.

For the game, Washburn shot 39.2 percent while making 4 of 17 from attempts from 3-point distance and 13 of 19 from the charity stripe. The Ichabods also outscored UNK 26-12 with points in the paint.

Washburn will return to Lee Arena on Saturday, Dec. 17 when it takes on Lindenwood before welcoming Lincoln on Monday, Dec. 19 to close out the first half of the season. Both contests are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.