Statesmen Roll Past Graceland in Second Half for 3-0 Start
William Penn Lady Statesmen Basketball team is off to a 3-0 start on the season.
Lamoni–Five William Penn women’s basketball players reached double figures to keep their squad perfect after defeating Graceland 89-77 in non-conference play Saturday.
The Statesmen (3-0) trailed by as much as 11 points midway through the first half, but found their legs on the road to trail by just one at halftime, 41-40.
Highlighted by a 45.0%-35.3% shooting edge after intermission, WPU ran away from the Yellowjackets to begin the campaign 3-0 for the first time since 2007-2008 (one of those wins was later awarded by a forfeit).
In the end, the navy and gold narrowly outshot their host 40.8%-39.5%, but made five more three-pointers (11-6) and five more free throws (16-11). A 55-46 rebounding edge was also secured by William Penn.
Dani Stahle (Sr., South Weber, Utah, History/Government & Psychology) tied for the game high with 18 points, including an 8-of-9 showing at the charity stripe.
The senior notched her first double-double of the year by also leading all WPU players with 12 rebounds.
Katie Golomski (Jr., Milwaukee, Wis., Psychology & Sociology) finished with 16 points (four three-pointers), while Janay Pritchett (Jr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Biology & Sociology) added 15. The duo also paced the visitors with five assists apiece, while Golomski headlined the defensive effort with three steals.
Susan Smith (Sr., Eugene, Ore., Biology) was the fourth starter in double figures with 11. Vanessa Kieres (Jr., Chicago, Ill., Physical Education) led the bench by matching Smith’s point tally. Lauren McKinnis (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Sociology) managed seven points as well.
William Penn overcame committing one more turnover, 14-13, than Graceland.
Next: William Penn put its perfect record on the line next Friday when it travels to Sioux City to face #12 Briar Cliff in non-conference play at 8 p.m.
