KALAMAZOO, MICH.-- Trine fell to Division-I foe Western Michigan, 81-45, Thursday night at University Arena.
The Broncos' size and athleticism led to WMU holding a 44-28 edge in points in the paint. Western Michigan scored 23 points off turnovers, and every player to see action scored. WMU shot 53 percent (32-of-61), but hit a 61 percent clip from the field in the first half to put the game out of reach early. Jessica Jessing led the way with 12 points. Bailey Tuttle (Ashley, Ind./DeKalb) scored a season-high 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting to lead the Thunder. The game marked the first time Trine had faced Division-I competition in a regular-season contest since joining NCAA Division III in 2004. Trine falls to 6-3 overall. Western Michigan is 5-3 on the season.
Kelsey Henselmeier (Martinsville, Ind./Martinsville) scored eight points on 4-of-6 shooting for Trine. Kyleigh Hampton (Wabash, Ind./Wabash) added six points on a pair of threes. The Thunder shot 36 percent (20-of-55) on the night.
A.J. Johnson and Miracle Woods each notched 10 points for Western Michigan. Johnson added five assists. Woods entered the game averaging 16 points over her last three games. Michelle O'Brien added eight points and eight boards.
Western Michigan shot 61 percent (20-of-33) in the first half to pull away early. Ten Broncos scored in the first half, led by Johnson's eight points. Emily Whiteleather (Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City) scored four early points, and Tuttle provided a spark off the bench with seven in the first half for Trine. WMU scored 15 points off 12 Trine turnovers in the first half.
Hampton provided some second-half offense with her two threes. Henselmeier scored six of her points after the break.
Trine returns to action and Division-III play Sunday, Dec. 28 when they host Defiance at 3 p.m. in Hershey Hall.