TIGERBALL SPLITS GAMES IN WEST PALM BEACH CLASSIC

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Olivet Nazarene University's (ONU) women's basketball team split their games at the West Palm Beach Classic, falling to No. 5-ranked Providence University 85-74 on Tuesday before bouncing back to defeat Keiser University 88-80 on Wednesday. 

In the game against Providence, ONU fought hard, but the firepower of the nationally-ranked team proved too much. As a team, ONU shot 35.4% from the field and 19.4% from three-point range, hitting 7 of 36 from deep. Olivia Dirkse led the way with 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 9-17 from the field and hitting 4 of 10 three-pointers. Hattie Hagedorn was also a force, contributing 14 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 6-10 from the field. Bett O'Neal added 9 points, although she battled through a tough shooting night (3-11 FGM), while Lindsey Nell chipped in with 7 points and 3 rebounds, shooting 2-8 from the field and 1-4 from deep. Despite strong individual efforts, ONU couldn't overcome Providence's all-around performance, as they shot 58.9% from the field and 23.1% from three-point range, hitting 3 of 13. The Tigers fell 85-74, as Providence's depth and shooting efficiency proved too much. 

The Tigers turned things around in their second game of the Classic, coming from behind to defeat Keiser 88-80. ONU shot 38.8% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range, hitting 12 of 45 from deep. Khendel Rolison led the charge with 14 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, shooting 4-10 from the field and 2-7 from beyond the arc. Dirkse once again was a major contributor, scoring 13 points and grabbing 2 rebounds despite a rough shooting night (4-16 FGM, 3-14 3PM). O'Neal bounced back with 11 points and 5 rebounds on 3-7 shooting, and Hagedorn added 11 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 5-11 from the field. Nell provided a steady presence with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and a perfect 1-1 from three-point range. As a team, Keiser shot 45.2% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, making only 2 of 11 attempts for an 18.2% shooting rate. ONU's balanced scoring and strong defensive play allowed them to hold off Keiser in the final moments, securing the 88-80 win.

Looking Ahead

ONU will head into the Christmas break before returning to action on January 4th, with a home game against Indiana University Northwest at 1:00 p.m. CST. The Tigers will look to build on their win over Keiser and continue improving as they prepare for the second half of the season.

--ONU—

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