Allendale, Mich. -- Three-point shots were not falling the way they have for most of this season, but the Grand Valley State women's basketball team shot 46 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line in its 66-51 victory over Ohio Dominican. The No. 17 Lakers are now off to only their third 7-0 start since 1998, with this being the fifth win by at least 11 points.
 
GVSU also improved to 4-0 in GLIAC play, making it just the second time in the last five seasons it boasts wins in its first four league games.
 
Senior forward Kat LaPrairie and junior guard Brionna Barnett led the way once again. Barnett led all players with 14 points and four assists. The Elkhart, Ind. collected five rebounds as well. LaPrairie drained three triples and five total field goals to finish with 13 points. Fellow starter Kayla Dawson added nine points on 3-of-5 shooting, four rebounds and a game-high four steals.
 
The Laker bench provided quite a spark as well, scoring 21 points and nabbing 13 rebounds. In GVSU's last three games, the reserves had scored a total of 23 points. Junior forward Jammie Botruff and sophomore guard Janae Langs led the subs with nine points apiece.
 
Size and length proved to be a significant edge for the Lakers, too. They swatted eight shots, with sophomore forward Piper Tucker coming away with a career-high three blocks. Barnett and freshman center Korynn Hincka each had a pair of swats, while LaPrairie had the other block.
 
For the first time at home this season, GVSU did not make at least 10 triples. Instead, the Lakers made eight long-range baskets and did more damage inside, accruing 16 points in the paint.
 
A 20-second stretch during the game's opening minute would be the only time GVSU trailed all evening. Down 2-0 at the 19:20 mark, it rattled off 10 unanswered points. ODU answered with a triple, but a layup by Dawson sparked a run of eight consecutive points.
 
With its 13-point deficit trimmed to just seven points (18-11) by the 11:50 mark, LaPrairie and Barnett responded with back-to-back trifectas. Leading by 13 would not be the end this time, however. Langs converted a three-point play, LaPrairie sank another three, Tucker knocked down a jumper and Botruff sent home a shot from distance to make it 35-13. It marked GVSU's largest lead of the night.
 
The Panthers managed to pull within eight points late in the second stanza, though they never got any closer. The Lakers closed the game on a 23-6 run, securing yet another double-digit victory.
 
GVSU now turns its attention to No. 2 Lewis, which is undefeated this season. Tip off in Romeoville, Illinois is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST this Sunday (Dec. 21).

Notes:
-Jammie Botruff's nine points matched her previous career high, which she set earlier this season against Indianapolis (Nov. 22)
-Brionna Barnett has scored at least 12 points in all seven of GVSU's games this year
-Tonight marked the fifth time this season Kat LaPrairie made three or more three-point baskets
-The Lakers' eight blocks were their highest single-game total since they swatted nine shots against Saginaw Valley State on Jan. 24, 2013
-For the fourth time this year, GVSU held its opponent under 60 points