Bender posted a double-double (25 pts., 12 reb.) that included key overtime baskets in a season-opening road victory, 59-47, over Garden State rival Saint Peter’s. The senior forward, who was 7-of-17 shooting from the field, logged game-highs in points and rebounds over 41 minutes of action. Fresh off her selection to the preseason all-NEC team, Bender scored the first six points of overtime. In all, ten of her career-high 25 points came during the extra session in helping Monmouth outscore the Peahens 15-3. Bender went a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe following the regulation period in completing an 11-of-13 night at the line. After breaking a 44-44 tie with two free throws one minute into overtime, Bender dropped in a layup to increase the lead to four next time down court. With the Hawks clinging to five-point lead, Bender grabbed a defensive board and hit a short jumper from the paint to make the score 54-47 with 1:13 remaining before sealing it with free throws down the stretch.