CLEVELAND (Interstat) — The Cleveland State Vikings used a dominant first quarter and a relentless defensive effort to cruise past the Akron Zips 76-55 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Wolstein Center.

The Vikings improved to 4-0 on the young season, while the Zips remained winless at 0-4.

Cleveland State set the tone early, opening the game on a 22-5 run in the first quarter. The Vikings’ pressure defense forced Akron into a series of turnovers and contested shots, creating easy transition opportunities. Akron struggled to find any offensive rhythm, shooting just 18 of 56 from the floor for the game.

Jada Leonard led all scorers for Cleveland State, pouring in 27 points to go along with three rebounds and two assists. The guard from the Bronx, New York, was a catalyst throughout, also contributing a team-high four steals.

Ayisse Magassa of Paris, France, recorded a double-double for the Vikings with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Madison Royal-Davis, a Toledo, Ohio native, filled the stat sheet with six points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Akron was led by Keiryn McGuff of Dublin, Ohio, who scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds. Ni’Rah Clark added nine points and four rebounds for the Zips.

The Vikings’ defense was the story of the game, forcing Akron into 28 turnovers and converting those miscues into 34 points. Cleveland State also controlled the paint, outscoring Akron 38-18 inside.

After the lopsided first period, Akron showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring Cleveland State 21-16, but could never cut the deficit to single digits. The Vikings responded after halftime, rebuilding their lead and maintaining a comfortable margin throughout the second half.

Cleveland State shot 25 of 53 from the field and capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, making 21 of 30 attempts. Akron connected on 7 of 23 from three-point range and 12 of 16 from the charity stripe.

The Vikings also shared the ball effectively, dishing out 16 assists compared to Akron’s 10. Colbi Maples added 10 points for Cleveland State, while Shaena Brew led Akron with four assists.

The announced attendance was 303.

Cleveland State will travel to face Northwestern on Friday. Akron returns home to host Binghamton on Thursday.