The formula for success for this year's Lancaster Bible College women's basketball team seems to be a halftime lead. In their first five games, they have led twice at halftime. They won once and lost a late lead to the defending NCCAA Division II champions, Kentucky Christian, the other time.

Thursday night in Washington, D.C. the Chargers' formula held true, but not without some stress. LBC defeated Trinity Washington University, 55-53 and snapped their three-game losing streak. After leading by nine at the half, LBC shooters went cold for periods of the second half and saw their lead evaporate.

LBC showed their toughness and withstood a late Tigers' run to end their five-game road trip with a win.

Sophomore Lauren Heliger and senior Nicole Karschner each had 14 points to lead the Chargers (2-4). In two games this week, Heliger has a team-high 38 points.

"She has a spark," LBC Head Coach Doug Helsel said. "Her athleticism is unique and her 12 first half points helped get us going early on."

Senior Lacy McClaine had 13 points, while freshman Emily Martz added four points off of the bench.

"Our bench is very important to our success and tonight we got good contributions from our bench," Helsel said. "It isn't always points, but sometimes just minutes on the floor or great defense."

The Chargers have a week off before hosting Arcadia next Thursday at Horst Athletic Center.

"We need to improve our decision making during the game," Helsel said. "Whether that is limiting our turnovers or not dribbling into three people, we just need some help with the little things. I think we are starting to play well and are close to being a good team."

Tip-off next Thursday is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.