MARION, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University women's basketball did not miss many shot opportunities during the second half as the Wildcats opened 2010 with a 62-49 victory over Huntington (Ind.) University in Mid-Central College Conference action at Luckey Arena on Tuesday night.

The Wildcats shot 9-of-14 (64.3-percent) from the floor during the second 20 minutes of play and connected on all 18 free throw attempts in the second half to stave off the Foresters.

No. 8-ranked Indiana Wesleyan led 25-19 in a low-scoring first half of play as both teams struggled from the floor shooting. IWU shot 41.7-percent (10 of 24) in the half while Huntington struggled to just 30.4-percent (7 of 23).

While Huntington continued to struggle in the second half to a clip of 32.0-percent (8 of 25) shooting, Indiana Wesleyan cranked it up a notch and missed a total of five shots combined between field goals and free throws. Huntington ended the contest shooting 31.3-percent (15 of 48).

IWU junior forward Elaine Hessel, the reigning MCC Player of the Week, led all scorers with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting. She hit on 7-of-8 free throws and pulled down four rebounds. Junior forward LeAnn Douglas was the only other Wildcat in double figures with 11 points.

Three other Wildcats scored nine points apiece. Sophomore guard Rachel Steinbarger had nine points, seven rebounds and four assists while junior guard Kayla Thompson chipped in nine points with four helpers. Sophomore center Krystal Stoneking was the third Wildcat with nine points as she was a perfect 3-of-3 from the floor.

Indiana Wesleyan out-rebounded Huntington by a 32-25 margin.

With the win, Indiana Wesleyan improves to 14-3 this season and a perfect 3-0 in conference play. Huntington, who is receiving votes in the latest Top-25 poll, tumbles to 10-5 overall and 1-2 in the MCC.

The Wildcats will remain at home for their next contest as Indiana Wesleyan will host Spring Arbor (Mich.) University at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 7 in Luckey Arena.