The IUS women’s basketball scrimmage against the Campbellsville University Tigers exhibited the Grenadiers strengths and weaknesses on the court.

The Tigers defeated the Grenadiers in the first half, 29-45, while the second half ended with an even 40-all tie.

The Grenadiers lacked defense in the beginning of the first half and gave the Tigers easy shots and rebounds. Ashmere Woods, returning junior guard and last season’s leading scorer, helped dig the Grenadiers out of their rut to bring up the score.

Robin Farris, IUS women’s basketball head coach, thought the results of the scrimmage were not as important as how the team played.
“We are more concerned with how the players connect on the floor and to develop chemistry within the team,” Farris said. “We were trying different defenses and different combinations of players.”

Despite the loss, the team still has high hopes for the season and has been recently selected as the top team in the preseason coach’s poll for the KIAC.

“I have high hopes for the season,” Farris said. “We have enough key players returning and some new ones that make a good team.”

The Grenadiers turned the game around in the beginning of the second half. Megan Murphy, senior forward and last season’s leading rebounder, hit key shots to bring the Grenadiers ahead.

With nine minutes left, the Grenadiers held the Tigers, 22-18, with their defense.

Instead of holding onto the lead, the Grenadiers lost control of the ball, had multiple turnovers and gave the Tigers crucial rebounds.

Despite the weak stretch, Farris thought the second half was an improvement.

“We changed defense in the second half,” Farris said. “They were quick and our transition from offense to defense in the first half was poor. We thought we would try something different, and I think, for the most part, it worked.”

However, during the second half, Briana Palmer, sophomore forward, was injured and escorted off the court by teammates. Farris said he was unsure of her condition but assumes she will be out for a while.

The team started the season with 15 players, and, due to a few injuries and a few leaving the team, they are now down to 11 players.

“Right now, we just need to stay healthy,” Farris said. “We cannot afford too many more injuries with the number of players we have.”

By CLARE BOWYER

Staff

clbowyer@umail.iu.edu