IRVINE, Calif. – The Concordia University Irvine Eagles claimed a 79-60 victory over Dominican thanks to a huge second quarter surge on Monday afternoon in their final regular season game before the holiday break.

A strong performance across the board helped propel the Eagles to victory.  CUI shot 45 percent from the field and 44 percent (7-for-16) on three-pointers.

Michaela VanderKlugt arrived ready to shoot from the start.  In her first game since she set the school record for career rebounds against Central Washington, the Carondelet High School alum poured in 24 points in the first half alone and sank her first seven shots from the field.

VanderKlugt finished with a game-high 30 points while collecting a team-best 10 rebounds. She has scored in double figures every game this year and this was her fifth double-double of the season.

Jasmine Rachal added 20 points with a number of driving layups.  Plus, Katie Timmerman drained all four of her shots from behind the arc and finished with 19 points. Timmerman was also a game-best +23 during her time on the court.

Point guards Sierra Clark and Kendall Jackson combined for eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.  Camryn Kiernan also supplied three of CUI's eight steals and was one of four Eagles with at least five rebounds.  

"I was really proud of our resilience tonight," said Rachal. "I think the game could've gone one of two ways, we could have let our previous losses hold us back or we could use them as fuel to go into the break with a win. I was happy we chose option 2. We are hoping to get on a win streak when we get back and continue to build on this momentum. This win felt great, but it feels even better knowing that our best basketball is still coming."

Dominican led 19-13 before Rachal hit a timely three-pointer late in the first quarter. VanderKlugt was fouled in the paint on the jumper and hit two free throws for a rare five-point possession. That brought CUI within one point and set the stage for the huge second quarter.

The Eagles outscored the Penguins 24-10 in the second period to build a solid cushion. CUI led 42-31 at the break.

Former CUI player Riley Friauf made her first appearance back at CU Arena as a visiting player. After the Eagles held her scoreless in the first half, she finished with 17 points.

After building the lead to 14 midway through the third quarter, Lauren Richter came up with a huge block on Friauf after the first media timeout. CUI still maintained control of the game and closed the third period up by 13.  The Eagles stretched that advantage to 61-45 after a quick trey by Katie Timmerman to start the fourth, and cruised by outscoring the Penguins 21-15 in the final quarter.

The Eagles return to action at Biola on Thursday, Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m. before returning home to host Point Loma on Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. The men's contest will follow the women's game as part of a PacWest Conference doubleheader between the rival schools.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's basketball schedule