The IUS women’s basketball team lost, 73-62, against Grace College in their first home game of the season in the Activities Building on Nov. 19.

The Grenadiers struggled to keep up throughout the game as Grace College started off strong.

Robin Farris, IUS women’s basketball head coach, said his team played well regardless of the outcome.

“We did some good things on the court,” Farris said. “There is room for improvement though. It could have gone better.”

Heather Wheat, freshman guard, scored the first point for IU Southeast in the game, and the team kept it very close in the first half, with a 34-37 score, and Grace College in the lead.

Farris said the team’s defense needed to be better than it was.

“We missed numerous lay-ups,” Farris said. “I thought our offense was good, but our defense was not so good.”

Abby Taylor, sophomore forward, said the team had a few weaknesses that were present in the game.

“I think the team played a strong game,” Taylor said. “We came out a bit weak though. I think that is one of our weaknesses. We go into games thinking that we don’t have to try hard because we are better than other teams, but, once we realize that we have to work hard to win games, we really come together as a team and play well.”

With many turnovers, Grace College managed to score baskets and rebounds on the Grenadiers. Wheat led IU Southeast with 13 points in the game, while Juaneice Jackson, sophomore guard for Grace College, led with 19 points.

Taylor said she was hopeful for future games to be more successful.

“Playing as a team is a key element to our success,” Taylor said. “I think if we can continue to do so like we did on Saturday against Grace, we will have many more successful games this season.”

Kylee Anthony, junior guard, said she thinks the game was a tough loss.

“As a team, we didn’t really play together,” Anthony said. “Our weakness was that we were just not putting forth any effort. We struggled with fast breaks and perfect shooting opportunities, but, overall, it was the lack of team unity.”

Farris said there were a few good things that happened in the game, but it was not enough to bring a win.

“We were out-rebounded by Grace,” Farris said. “Losing is never fun, but, overall, I think we played well.”

By NICOLE BRANDUM

Staff

nbrandum@ius.edu