Finlandia University’s Molly Berg, left, drives to the basket against Bay College on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Hancock, Mich. (Paul Peterson/For the Gazette)

HANCOCK — Staying on their recent roll of success, the Finlandia University women’s basketball team notched its fifth straight win over Bay College on Wednesday.

The 68-54 triumph enabled the FU women to even their record at 11-11 this season.

In playing before their largest home crowd of the season at Paavo Nurmi Gym, the Lions accomplished the feat without leading scorer and rebounder sophomore center Katie Lundeen (out with an injury).

“I was pleased they we were able to win tonight without Katie (Lundeen),” Finlandia coach Mariah Dunham said afterward. “It’s not easy when your top player isn’t in the lineup. It was a total team effort.”

The Lions received some nice contributions from their bench, most notably senior guard Taylor Pertile. The Hancock High product put in 19 points, grabbed three rebounds and made four steals.

“I was very, very proud of Taylor,” Dunham said. “She made all the difference when we had Carsyn Osterman and Bailey Froberg on the bench in foul trouble. She brought us back into the game.”

The Norse (14-8) took an early lead in the contest and held a 20-17 margin after one quarter.

Thanks to the efforts of Osterman and Pertile, the Lions managed a 31-31 deadlock at the half.

And they took the lead for good early in the third fame when Pertile dropped in a triple and Osterman chipped in four quick points for a 48-41 lead midway through the period.

Bailey Froberg helped keep the winners comfortably ahead in the final stanza with a trey of her own.

Dunham, who will get Lundeen back for the next game, also like the role freshman Casana Ryynanen played.

“(Ryynanen) came in and gave us a lift with her rebounding and overall play,” the FU coach said of the Houghton High alumnus.

Osterman led the winners with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Pertile was next with her 19 markers, and also made four steals while playing aggressive defense.

Bailey Froberg netted 12 points, while Harlee Froberg led all rebunders with 12 boards.

Bay College was paced by Holly Wardzynski and Kaitlyn Hardwick with 9 points each.

Marissa Ackerman added seven points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Finlandia hosts Mt. Mary College on Feb. 8.

Bay College 20 11 14 9 — 54

Finlandia 17 14 22 15 — 68

BAY COLLEGE (54): Ackerman 7, Wickman 8. Hardwick 9, McGuire 7, Wardzynski 9, Trudell 7, Olsen 7, Boniarz 2. FT: 17-24. Rebounds: 38 (Ackerman 8), F: 19. Fouls: 19. Fouled out: Hardwick. 3-point FG: Trudell 2, McGuire 1, Hardwick 1, Olsen 1, Wardzynski 1.

FINLANDIA (68): B. Froberg 12, Berg 3, Osterman 21, H. Froberg 4, Loman 2, Pertile 19, Ryynanen 5, Austin 2. FT: 14-21. Rebounds: 34 (H. Froberg 12). F: 21. Fouled out: None. 3-point FG: Pertile 3, Osterman 2, H. Froberg 2.