ANGOLA, Ind. – In Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play Wednesday night, the Trine University women's basketball team was able to defeat Kalamazoo College by a score of 82-45. The Hornets were able to muster a better effort in the later of their two regular season meetings after scoring just 16 points in the first edition.
The #18 Thunder advance to 17-5 overall and are 11-2 in league action. Kalamazoo remains winless on the season at 0-22 and 0-13 inside the conference.
Makayla Ardis knocked down a three on the team's opening possession, but the Hornets countered with a three-point play of their own on their initial attempt. Scores on six straight trips down the floor helped Trine to extend the lead to 17-6 and keep it for the duration of the contest. Katie Tate had five points, while Sidney Wagner contributed with four and Alyssa Argyle was true from beyond the arc.
Sierra Hinds, Abby Sanner and Jada Rhonehouse recorded scores towards the end of the first quarter, and Alexis Snodgrass dished it to Ardis on the wing for a three-point make as the buzzer sounded in a 25-10 period. The Thunder shot an even 50.0% (9-of-18) from the field and buried four shots from deep.
The offense continued in the second quarter, especially from the guards Ardis, Wagner and Hinds. The trio combined for 16 of the 18 points in the period as Trine jumped out to a 43-22 halftime lead.
Wagner netted the first seven points in the third quarter as the Thunder extended their already sizable lead. Erin Sherwood entered the game for the first time and knocked down a three just before the end of the period to go up 40 at 67-27.
Jordan Walters had four points at the beginning of the fourth quarter and hit a three later on for a career-high seven points on the night. Sherwood would connect from long range once more to give her six points, a career-high as well. Kearston Stout was 5-for-6 from the free throw line for her points in the blowout win, 82-45.
A turnover differential of 24-8 helped propel Trine to victory, including a 33-2 mark in scoring in favor of the home squad off those miscues. In total, the Thunder had 17 assists on 28 made field goals, including 13 makes from downtown. Ardis led all scorers with 16 points, while Wagner finished with 15 points, five assists and four steals. Tate led the team in plus-minus at +32.
Trine will make the trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday, February 11 to take on the Calvin University Knights, ranked #17 in the nation by D3hoops.com. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.