FREMONT, Neb. — No. 10 Dakota Wesleyan Women’s Basketball traveled to Nebraska to take on the Midland Warriors to kick off the new year.
The Tigers jumped out to an early 16-7 lead, eventually forcing a Midland timeout just past halfway through the first period. DWU proceeded to prevent a Midland score for the next 11 minutes of gametime, extending its lead to 41-7 before the Warriors got back on the board with 3:06 left to play in the second period. The scoring effort was spearheaded by Emma Yost, who posted eight of her 15 total points in the first period, and was aided by Avery Broughton, Shalayne Nagel, and Avery Orth off the bench, who all posted double-digit scoring amounts.
Broughton, Nagel, and Jaida Young all posted six rebounds in the starting rotation, with Broughton also registering two blocks, while Lizzie Pavlis led the Tigers overall with seven rebounds off the bench. Young also led the team with six assists and added two steals to her final statline. Rylee Rosenquist rounded out the starting rotation with five points and helped push the Tigers to a 48-12 lead at the half.
The second half saw DWU keep its lead with a handful of contributors coming from outside of the starting five, and while the Warriors found a bit more on the scoring front, the Tiger defense was still able to stay in control of the contest. Isabelle Ellwein added eight points in 15 minutes played, including two big three-pointers, while Pavlis, Maleighya Estes, and Ella Griffin contributed six points each.
Overall, the Tigers outrebounded the Warriors 49-22 and shot 40-68 (58.8%) from the field while holding Midland to just a 13-52 (25%) clip. The biggest difference came towards the basket, with the Tigers outscoring the Warriors in the paint 50-10 to add to their rebound advantage and take full control of the contest. DWU claimed the win, 91-40, to move to 7-2 in conference play.
DWU Women’s Basketball will be back in action on Wednesday, January 7th at the Corn Palace against Doane.