TIGERBALL COMES UP SHORT IN SEASON OPENER AT INDIANA TECH

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Olivet Nazarene University's (ONU) women's basketball team opened their season with a hard-fought battle, ultimately falling to Indiana Tech in Game 1 of the Indiana Tech Classic on Friday. The Tigers showed promise, but cold shooting in key moments led to a final score of 91-66.

The Tigers took some time to shake off the rust in the first quarter, scoring just 12 points on 28.6% shooting. Olivia Dirkse and Hattie Hagedorn found their way to the basket early on, but ONU's offense was slow to find its groove. Despite the defense holding their ground, the Tigers ended the quarter trailing 19–12.

In the second quarter, things started heating up. ONU's offense clicked into gear, raising their shooting percentage to 44.4% and notching 20 points. Brooklyn Marshall led the charge, going 5-for-7 from the field and hitting tough shots to spark the team. Still, Indiana Tech answered back with a 22-point quarter of their own, leaving the Tigers down 41–32 at halftime. But there was no sign of surrender from ONU as they headed into the locker room.

After the break, ONU's shooting cooled off again in the third, putting up 15 points at a 31.3% clip. Preslee Michael and Khendel Rolison found their range from deep, each sinking two 3-pointers to keep ONU's hopes alive. The Tigers' defense held tough, but Indiana Tech added 18 points, extending the lead to 59–47 going into the final frame. 

In the fourth, ONU showed their heart, putting up 19 points and improving to 41.2% shooting. Lilly Dockemeyer and Molli Ward made key baskets down the stretch, while ONU's sharpshooters hit 40% from beyond the arc. The Tigers also nailed 80% of their free throws throughout the game, a testament to their resilience. Despite closing the gap, ONU's comeback ultimately ran out of time, ending in a 91–66 loss.

Looking Ahead

ONU looks ahead to Game 2 of the Indiana Tech Classic against Concordia University, set for noon on Nov. 2nd. The Tigers are eager to bounce back, hoping to iron out shooting inconsistencies and capitalize on Friday's hard-earned lessons.

--ONU—

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