UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University women’s basketball team claimed their 2009-10 season opener by defeating Urbana University today (Nov. 15), 74-63.

The Cardinals played catch up throughout the first half of action as they were down by 10 points with 13:25 remaining on the clock. The deficit was cut to one by half time as Saginaw Valley entered the locker room down by a score of 27-28. Freshman forward Grace Herzog (Linden, Mich. / Powers Catholic HS) led the Cardinals in the first half with eight points and six rebounds.

Saginaw Valley took the lead in the second half on an opening layup from freshman forward Jasmine Kennedy (Harper Woods, Mich. / Grosse Point North HS) who finished the game with 14 points. Urbana would take the lead back by one point off a jump shot early in the second half. The Cardinals responded with 17:30 left in the contest as junior forward Rhonda Gusa (Harbor Beach, Mich. / Delta CC) connected on a layup to retrieve and hold the lead for the remainder of the game.

The Cardinals were lead overall by freshman guard Aysha Boston (Detroit, Mich. / Renaissance HS) with 22 points, six assists, five rebounds and picked up four steals. Herzog ended the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, four blocked shots and two assists.

With the win, Saginaw Valley moves to 1-0 overall as Urbana falls to 0-1. The Cardinals will return to action as they host the University of Indianapolis (Nov. 21). Tip off is set for 5:00 p.m.