If 2005-06 feels like a long time ago, that's because it is. And to the Lancaster Bible College women's basketball program, it has felt even longer. 2005-06 was the last time the Chargers were over .500 this late in the season...until now.

Lauren Heliger's game-high 17 points helped lead Lancaster Bible past Trinity Washington, 61-54 in the nation's capital on Wednesday night. The win moves the Chargers to 11-10 for the year with four regular season games remaining.

After leading by as many as 15 in the first half, the Chargers took a 10-point lead into halftime at 34-24. LBC remained hot to start the second half, opening the second half on a 12-4 run to take an 18-point lead at 46-28. The Tigers however did not fold and used a 16-3 run to cut the deficit to five, 49-44 with 8:44 remaining.

LBC countered the Tigers' run by going on an 11-4 run over the next 5:40 to open up a 12-point lead, 60-48, with 3:04 to play. A Charity Blackwell 3-pointer with 2:21 to play, cut the the Tigers' deficit to six, but that bucket would be the last of the game for either team as a late free throw by Heliger secured the seven-point victory for LBC.

"We did a great job of countering their runs in the second half," LBC Head Coach Doug Helsel said. "We built up a good lead in the first half and at the start of the second half and were able to answer the call when they cut into our lead."

In addition to her 17 points, Heliger also added nine rebounds and five assists. Freshman Sarah Heilenman had 13 points and 10 rebounds and was 7-of-8 from the free throw line.

"Lauren carried us," Helsel said. "And Sarah played really well again."

As a team the Chargers shot 82% [18-of-22] from the free throw line, something Helsel said was huge for the team and helped them finish off the Tigers.

LBC will look to stay over the .500 mark on Saturday when they host NEAC South Division member Wilson College at 1 p.m.

Notes:
-The Chargers have shot 77% or better from the free throw line over the past three games.