GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Sophomore forward Elaine Hessel's huge game led the No. 8-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University women's basketball team to a 55-46 victory over Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) University on Friday night in the Cornerstone Classic in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Hessel poured in a game-high 25 points on 8-of-11 shooting while pulling down 10 boards, tying her for game honors with teammate LeAnn Douglas. She also hit on 9-of-11 free throws.

The Wildcat defense once again played a key role in a victory as Cardinal Stritch was held to 28.8-percent (19 of 66) shooting for the contest. The Wolves were also limited to just 11.1-percent (2 of 18) shooting from 3-point land.

IWU led wire-to-wire after scoring the first four points in the game. With Indiana Wesleyan holding a 12-8 lead, IWU charged to a 9-2 run to open up a double digit lead at 21-10 with seven minutes remaining in the opening half.

Cardinal Stritch (5-4) closed the gap to six points (22-16) before Indiana Wesleyan stretched the lead back to double digits heading into intermission with a 28-16 advantage.

The Indiana Wesleyan lead remained between eight and 14 points for the first 13 minutes of the second half. Cardinal Stritch was able to cut the lead below eight points with a field goal as 6:51 remained, making it a 44-37 IWU lead.

The Wildcats (7-4) would regain their lead of at least eight points in the next possession before the Wolves once again cut the deficit to seven points at 51-44 with 59 seconds to play.

Cardinal Stritch would foul Indiana Wesleyan in the closing minute but Hessel hit all four free throws in that stretch to secure the 55-46 win for Indiana Wesleyan.

Douglas finished the contest with nine points for the Wildcats and sophomore guard Kayla Thompson added five points, five rebounds and three assists.

Indiana Wesleyan will complete the Cornerstone Classic at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 as the Wildcats battle Malone (Ohio) College.