There's quite a bit new in NCAA women's basketball this season in general, and around the Hillsdale College women's basketball program in particular.
After one game, the differences are positive.
Thanks to a balanced offense and a relentless, swarming defense, the Chargers got off to a good start in the new season Friday night with a 75-57 win over Illinois-Springfield in Lebanon, Illinois. Hillsdale, 1-0, faces host McKendree Saturday afternoon.
Every player on the roster scored points for Hillsdale, who was in full control from start to finish. The Chargers shot 52 percent from the floor in the first half, when they opened up a 23-point lead through the first two quarters. Hillsdale also punished the Prarie Stars to the tune of 47-35 on the boards, and held a 17-7 edge in steals.
Junior point guard Becca Scherting scored all 9 of her points in the first half, helping the Chargers get out to that big early lead, and dished out a career-high 6 assists.
Twelve players played at least 10 minutes, and six different players scored six or more points in the win.
Freshman Makenna Ott led the team with 18 points in a very well-rounded effort. She was 6-for-8 from the free throw line, hit a pair of 3-point shots, and grabbed 8 rebounds. She became the first freshman to lead Hillsdale in scoring in a season-opening game since Nikki Wustman did it on Nov. 15, 2003.
Senior Sarah Theut matched a career-high with 10 rebounds to lead the team. Junior guard Morgan Blair turned in a strong all-around game with 5 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.
Freshmen Allie Dewire and Brittany Gray each scored 6 points, a total matched by senior Madison Berry and sophomore Maddy Reed.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: Hillsdale's largest lead of the game was 31, when it led 59-28 with 5:08 left in the third quarter…This was the first-ever game played by the Chargers that involved four quarters instead of two halves…The Chargers outscored the Prarie Stars in each of the first three quarters of the game…Three freshmen: Ott, Gray and Dewire, all scored their first collegiate points in the first quarter.
PHOTO CREDIT: Anders Kiledal