BELMONT, Calif. - Concordia University Irvine junior forward Michaela VanderKlugt continues to add to her historic career as she surpassed the 1000 career points mark in the Eagles 39-32 win over the Argonauts of Notre Dame de Namur.

"It's an amazing feeling," said VanderKlugt.  "Most people don't reach this part in their career and the fact I did that is very rewarding. But with that being said I'm not done yet. I still have this season and my senior season to improve and get better, but once again I credit my teammates for getting me the ball and having endless amounts of love and support for me!"

With the win tonight the Eagles are 4-0 for the first time under head coach Christine Collins-Keirnan and since joining the PacWest five seasons ago. 

The Eagles struggled to find their offense early as the Argonauts jumped out quickly to a 4-0 lead.  

The Eagles bounced back with a 9-0 of their own and never looked back.  Sophomore guard Jasmine Rachal sparked the run, scoring her first six points of the game.  She finished with 15.

Freshman guard Sierra Clark added her only three points of the game to cap the run at nine.

Coach Collins-Kiernan knew tonight would be a battle.  Her team faced a solid 2-3 zone and she was prepared for it to be a grind it out type of win.

"I think we set basketball back 10 years tonight," said Collins-Kiernan.  "They create a game that limits rhythm and credit to them for sucking us into it. I'm not sure we could have been more consistent with shooting even if the rim was 2 feet wider. It was one of those nights we had to play through it and find other ways to get a W and I think that came in the form of our defense. We had very few mistakes outside the first five minutes of the game and I would call tonight a TEAM win." 

The Eagles had to grind all night in order to come away with the win.  Shots were not falling like they had been in their previous three games.  That did not deter the Eagles from putting together 40 minutes of defense. 

The Eagles, who entered tonight's contest fourth in the PacWest in defense (61.9 PPG), continued their strong defensive play, holding the Argonauts to two points in the second quarter.

The Eagles were able to turn defense into offense, converting 13 turnovers into 11 points.

The Eagles controlled the boards as well, out rebounding the Argonauts 32-28 with ten of those coming on the offensive end. 

Junior forward Kennedy Fulcher led the way with 13.

"We knew beforehand that our opponent had some good rebounders," said Fulcher.  "Coach [Collins-Kiernan] told us that boxing out on defense would be a big key to winning the game. She was right.  We were struggling offensively so being able to rebound allowed us to maintain the lead."

The story of the Eagles offense was their willingness to share the ball.  The Eagles doled out 14 assists on 16 made baskets.  

"I think our team knew going into the game that we had to move and share the ball due to the fact that they play a zone," said sophomore guard Katie Timmerman.  "Knowing that initiated all of our ball movement, looking for the one extra pass in order to get a good rhythm shot for our teammates instead of trying to force a tough shot."

While the Eagles came away with the win the story of the night continued to be VanderKlugt reaching her career milestone.  With family there to support her, she was not about to leave the floor without reaching this feat.

"From the first call I had with Michaela I told her if she chose us she would change how people think about Concordia through her success," said coach Collins-Kiernan.  "On her first visit to campus I said 'if you say Yes right here you will be Freshman of the Year, and she was.' She does what it takes to win because she cares about Concordia and her teammates. She will be a hall of famer for CUI someday and she will have the opportunity to break many more records. The best thing about her is the only records she cares about are the Win Loss ones!"

VanderKlugt's teammates were thrilled for her and all of the success that she has earned.

"I'm really happy for Michaela," said Rachal.  "She comes ready to go everyday, whether it's practice or a game. She fights through adversity and always picks us up through our high and low points as a team. She really is an incredible teammate, player, and woman and it's been a pleasure playing with her!"