Led by sensational sophomore Leah Richards, the Hope College women's basketball tipped off the season with a convincing 82-61 victory over the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Friday during a matchup of nationally-ranked teams in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Catholic) scored a career-high 21 points on 80% field-goal shooting (8-10), topping the season-high 13 points she totaled last season.

The 6-2 center also grabbed a team-best six rebounds and recorded two steals for the Flying Dutch, who were ranked 23rd in the D3hoops preseason national poll.

La Crosse (0-1) was ranked 15th in the D3hoops preseason rankings

Senior guard/forward Sydney Vis (Byron Center, Michigan / South Christian) contributed 17 points and a team-best three assists on 58.3% field-goal shooting (7-12).

Thirteen different Flying Dutch scored, including sophomore guard Anna Richards (DeWitt, Michigan / Lansing Catholic), who collected nine points and four rebounds. 

Junior guard Chloe Brunsberg (Chaska, Minnesota / Southwest Christian) finished with eight points. 

Hope never trailed after finishing the final 2 minutes, 45 seconds of the first quarter on an 8-0 run for a 21-14 lead.

The Flying Dutch extended their lead to 39-27 by halftime.

Hope's next game is Saturday, Nov. 8, at 3:30 p.m. Central at River Falls, which knocked off No. 18 Calvin University, 59-43, in Friday's first game.