Lady Statesmen Pull Away From Waldorf in Opener, 80-61
William Penn senior Sarah Martin drives against Waldorf Tuesday evening.
Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team previewed why it is projected for a big season with an 80-61 non-conference, season-opening win over Waldorf Tuesday.
The Lady Statesmen (1-0) trailed a few times early, but gained the lead for good on a layup by Janay Pritchett (So., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Biology) to make it 10-8 6:25 into the evening.
The hosts were balanced throughout the first stanza with Sarah Martin (Sr., Anthem, Ariz., Physical Education) managing a team-high six points at the break.
William Penn owned a 29-20 edge at intermission, but opened the second with a 16-5 run to lead by 20 at the 15:29 mark. The advantage narrowed to 13, but the Warriors (0-1) would come no closer as the Lady Statesmen eventually went up by as much as 25 points on several occasions.
Both teams were more successful after halftime (55.6%-50.0% in favor of WPU) with the navy and gold holding a 45.5%-39.7% final edge in shooting. The visitors outrebounded the Lady Statesmen 42-39, but William Penn made up for it with a smothering defense that forced 17 turnovers. The offense was also protective with its possession in committing just nine giveaways.
Just as she was so many times during her MCC Newcomer of the Year campaign one year ago, Katie Golomski (So., Milwaukee, Wis., Psychology) was lethal from downtown, hitting four three-pointers en route to a team-high 18 points.
Orielle Thomas (Sr., Waynesville, Mo., Physical Education) contributed a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Martin also reached double figures with 11 points in addition to a squad-best seven assists. Thomas and Golomski stole three passes in the victory.
Martin scored five of her points at the free-throw line, highlighting a 15-for-20 night by her team (Waldorf was just 7-of-15 at the stripe).
Vanessa Kieres (So., Chicago, Ill., Physical Education) added nine points off the bench and Morgan Evans (Sr., Creston, Iowa, Industrial Technology) matched Pritchett with eight points. Michaela Beck (Jr., Onawa, Iowa, Biology) posted six points as well.
The victory was a strong debut for new skipper Mike Brown, who took over for Brian Spielbauer. Spielbauer had headed the program for the past nine years.
“This was a good opening-night win,” Brown said. “Sarah did a great job of dictating the action in the second half. Katie was also clutch behind the arc and Vanessa also provided a huge lift off the bench.”
“This is a fun group,” Brown added. “We have a lot of options on the floor all the time.”
Next: William Penn meets up with a pair of ranked foes this weekend at the Concordia Cattle Classic in Seward, Neb. On Friday, the Lady Statesmen face #18 Hastings (Neb.) at 6 p.m. They then meet top-ranked Concordia (Neb.) Saturday at 2 p.m.
