The College of DuPage women's basketball program secured its first win of the season - and first win of Kristin Ison's head-coaching career - after a late rally during the season's home-opener against Illinois Valley Community College on November 13, 71-67. 

Kaisje Pryor got the scoring started for the Chaparrals with a three-pointer, but the offense could only muster nine more points in the first quarter, including buckets from Lexi Lopez and Saniyya Harvey. 

Down 20-12 after ten minutes, DuPage narrowly outplayed the Eagles in the second quarter. The Chaps outscored IVCC 20-18 with another Pryor shot from deep. Ayaani Gusman made her first three-ball of the contest along back-to-back more buckets, including a successful three-point play. At the half, Illinois Valley held a slim 38-32 lead.

Gusman kept a hot hand into the second half, making two more attempts from beyond the arc. Both Erin Brown and Aylin Lagunas chipped in three buckets apiece from inside the paint as well to help DuPage enter the final quarter with a tight one-point lead, 56-55. The 24-point quarter was the most by either team during the contest.

The Chaps' defense was strongest down the stretch, holding the Eagles to their lowest-scoring period of the night in the fourth. Illinois Valley was only able to net twelve more points in the final quarter while Saniyya Harvey led the charge for COD. Harvey was responsible for five of the team's seven baskets late. Her play on the other end of the court turned defense into offense, securing the four-point victory.

"We know we have talent on this team, we just needed to find our groove," said Ison. "I feel like we handle pressure situations well. I'm glad we were able to capitalize on the opportunities, especially towards the end."

COD (1-2) continues Region 4 action inside PEC Arena on November 18 at 5pm against the Oakton College Owls.