ONU SWEEPS THROUGH ARIZONA

GLENDALE, AZ. – Olivet Nazarene University's women's basketball proved their strength under the Arizona sun this week, securing two thrilling victories against Park-Gilbert University and Arizona Christian University. 

Game 1: ONU vs Park-Gilbert University

Park-Gilbert started hot with an 8-point lead before ONU found their rhythm. Back-to-back triples from sophomore guard Olivia Dirkse and senior guard Jamie Finn brought the Tigers within one, but Park-Gilbert held on to a narrow 20-16 advantage after the first period.

The second quarter was a dogfight, with both teams trading baskets and answering each other's runs. Freshman guard Kayleigh Flach drained a three to open the scoring and back-to-back threes by senior guard Olivia Demosthenes brought ONU within one before junior guard Khendel Rolison's last-minute layup tied the game at 32-32 heading into halftime.

Park-Gilbert grabbed the reins in the third, building an 11-point lead, but ONU refused to give up. The Tigers fought back with a 7-point run, and Dirkse's heroics, including a layup and a three-pointer, propelled them into a slim 54-53 lead by the end of the quarter. 

The final frame was a nail-biter. Park-Gilbert surged ahead, but Dirkse and Demosthenes responded with back-to-back threes, tying the game. ONU's 6-point run and clutch free throws in the closing moments secured a hard-fought 75-70 victory.

Game 2: ONU vs Arizona Christian University

Arizona Christian University opened the scoring in Game 2, but ONU quickly responded with a three-pointer by senior guard Bett O'Neal. The first quarter was a tight affair, with both teams trading three-pointers and free throws. Dirkse tied the game at 20-20 with a pair of free throws, but ACU closed the quarter with a slight 22-20 lead. 

The second quarter was another close battle, with ONU trading baskets with ACU. Senior guard Anne Peters and freshman guard Preslee Michael hit key threes, but ACU responded to maintain control. Despite impressive efforts from the Tigers, the buzzer sounded with ACU leading 48-55 at halftime. 

The third quarter was a turning point for ONU. Demosthenes erupted from beyond the arc, draining three consecutive three-pointers to give the Tigers the lead. ONU's hot shooting continued, with back-to-back threes from Demosthenes and Rolison pushing their lead to double digits. Rolison closed the quarter with four quick points, giving ONU their largest lead of the game thus far, 72-63.

ACU made a last-ditch effort in the fourth quarter, but ONU proved too hot to handle. Demosthenes, Finn, O'Neal, Peters, and junior guard Madison Smith all contributed threes, extending the Tigers' lead to 19. ACU fought valiantly, but ONU's shooting prowess was undeniable, sealing the 94-81 victory. 

What's Next

The Tigers will use this momentum as they prepare for their next opponent. ONU will host Dakota State University at McHie Arena on Dec. 30th. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CST. 

--ONU—

*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu