by NDNSPORTS Staff Reports
(Lawrence, Kansas) – The Haskell Indian Nations University women’s basketball team opened up their 2018-2019 season with a 78-56 win at home against the Bethany College Swedes. The Swedes, out of the KCAC conference, had received votes in the NAIA preseason top 25 rankings and they were also picked in their conference preseason poll to finish second.
Leading the way for the Lady Indians was freshman Kasey Rice (Pawnee) who had a game high 19 points with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and steal. Other double-digit scoring came from additional freshman as well with Cherelle Speen (Navajo), who had 13 points and 7 rebounds and Tia Woods (Navajo) who had 12 points and 4 steals.
Haskell jumped out to a 25-14 point lead after the first quarter with Rice scoring the first eight points of the game for the Indians. The Indians would increase their lead in the second quarter by outscoring the Swedes 20-9 to take a 45 to 23 lead into halftime.
The Indians would keep the lead throughout the final two quarters of the game to close out their first win of the season.
Haskell would shoot 41% from the field, 32% behind the arc, and 78% from the free throw line and they held Bethany to 38% shooting on the night.
Others scoring on the night were: Paige Dale (9 pts), Nykki Benally (8 pts), Janee Bates (7 pts), Sierra Penn (5 pts), Tamo Thomas (3 pts), Kilee Jones (2 pts)
Next up for Haskell is another home contest at Coffin Sports Complex against No. 13 ranked Hastings College. This game will also be the Nike N7 basketball game for Haskell as well.
NOTES:
- Haskell created 28 turnovers to their 17.
- Top returning scorer from last season (12 ppg) Tiana Guillory was out this game but should return for next game.
- Bethany is now 0-5 against Haskell dating back to the 2014 season with Bethany being ranked or Receiving Votes during those games home and away
