ST. PAUL, Minn.- UNW Women's Basketball made their highly anticipated return on Wednesday night as they traveled down Snelling Avenue to face Hamline in their season opener. The Eagles would start the 2021-2022 season on the right foot, winning the tight game in overtime 69-62 over the Pipers.
It became clear early on in the contest that this game would come down to the wire. The first quarter was played exactly even as it was tied 15-15 at the end of the opening ten minutes.
In the second quarter, the Eagles' defense powered them to a nine point lead at the halftime break. UNW only gave up ten points in the second quarter, scoring 19 of their own. The visiting Eagles led 34-25 at halftime.
The third quarter remained even as the Pipers were only able to slightly cut into the visitors' lead. Going into the fourth quarter, the Eagles held a 46-39 lead.
However, in the fourth quarter, the Pipers made their move. The home team stormed back into the game forcing overtime with a score of 55 all.
In overtime, the Eagles offense came alive. UNW was able to score 14 points in the short five minute overtime, and would ultimately win the opening contest 69-62.
The defenses were in midseason form in this season opener for each squad. Points were hard to come by, and each team made shooting challenging on the other squad. UNW finished the game shooting 36% from the floor, 28% from three point range, and 80% from the charity stripe. It was the free throw shooting that ultimately became the difference for UNW, as they Eagles made 24 of their 30 free throw attempts.
The Eagles' defense had a remarkable night of their own. The Pipers struggled to score as well shooting 30% from the floor, 20% from three, and 68% from the line. The Eagles forced 27 Hamline turnovers.
The Eagles are a senior heavy squad and are counting on the veteran experience this team has to lead the way this season.
Kelsea Lund (Madison, Minn./Lac qui Parle Valley),
Allison Eide (Farmington, Minn./Christian Life Academy),
Grace Langmade (Pine City, Minn./Pine City),
Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy), and
Hailey Paup (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Concordia Academy) were the starters for Northwestern. All five of the Eagle starters are seniors, which is a remarkable feat in this day and age of college basketball.
Kelsea Lund (Madison, Minn./Lac qui Parle Valley) started her season out with a bang, as the senior scored 25 points to lead all scorers. The senior had a remarkable night from the free throw line, shooting a blistering 16-18 from the foul line.
Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy) had a strong night in every aspect of the game, as Eagle fans have grown accustomed to over the years. The senior had a double-double scoring 19 points and pulling in 10 rebounds. The forward added two assists and four steals.
Hailey Paup (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Concordia Academy) contributed ten points, and freshman
Taylor Schuck (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian Academy) had eight points off the bench for UNW in her first career game.
The Eagles move to 1-0 on the season and will continue nonconference play with a home game on Saturday against a former conference rival, St. Scholastica. Tipoff is at 3:00pm.
