Grace wins third in a row
UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. – Grace’s women’s basketball team continued its strong play over Christmas break, picking up a commanding 85-51 win at Governors State on Monday.
The Lady Lancers (6-5) had four players score in double figures, led by 19 points from Maddie Ryman.
Grace stunned the home team from the opening tip. The Lady Lancers began the game on a 9-1 run with five points scored by Ryman.
The Jaguars (0-8) burned an early timeout, but Grace still led 24-14 after the first quarter.
The lead for Grace ballooned up to 20 points in the second quarter, and the Lady Lancers entered halftime ahead 43-21.
The Jaguars were largely muted on offense; Governors State shot 25 percent as a team with nine turnovers.
Grace, on the other hand, made 49 percent as a team and 50 percent (6 of 12) from beyond the arc. Kamryn Hostetler tallied 12 points before halftime, and Kyannah Stull scored 10.
Ryman scored nine of Grace’s 15 points in the third frame to keep Grace’s momentum.
The Jaguars were unable to truly threaten Grace’s lead in the second half, and the Lady Lancers coasted to the final 34-point margin of victory.
Ryman’s 19 points came on 7-of-13 shooting, and she made both of her 3-point tries.
Stull amassed 17 points, 7 boards and 4 assists, and Hostetler had 16 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.
Kiersten Poor shot 7 of 9 from the floor for 14 points, adding seven boards. Kaylie Warble pulled down a game-high 10 boards.
Kenzie McMahon notched five points and five boards, Kate Rulli scored four points off the bench, and Sarah O’Day added 3 points, 2 assists and 2 steals.
“It’s exciting how we are closing out the first half of the season. We have found our identity, and it feels like things are coming together. Defensively we did some very good things,” said Grace head coach Dan Davis. “I’m proud of this team for what they’ve endured, and we are thankful to have played the games that we’ve gotten in.”
The Lady Lancers will return to action after Christmas. Grace will host three games in five days, including Oakland City (Dec. 31), Trinity International (Jan. 1) and Bethel (Jan. 4).