Massner sisters lead Tigers in loss

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. - In Wednesday night's women's basketball action, Iowa Wesleyan traveled to take on Webster University. It was the third game in five days and the Tiger offense got off to a slow start in the 65-85 loss to the Gorloks. Allie and Darby Massner finished the game with 51 of the 65 points for Iowa Wesleyan.

The Tigers fell behind early as the Gorloks raced out 14-0 lead in the first three minutes of action. Iowa Wesleyan struggled with the defensive pressure by Webster, turning the ball over 10 times during the opening minutes of play. Darby was fouled on a three-point attempt and was able to finally get IW on the board after sinking all three free throws. She scored eight of the 13 Iowa Wesleyan points in the opening period.

Allie Massner ended the first-quarter with a three pointer and kicked off the second quarter with another three pointer for the Tigers. Jordanne Mickley connected from behind the arc on the next IW possession to bring the Webster lead to 14 points. The Gorloks scored ten unanswered points to extend their lead to over twenty points with 6:52 remaining in the first half. As the quarter continued, the Tigers were able to chip away at the Webster lead, getting the lead under twenty by outscoring the Gorloks 14-7 in the final six minutes of the second quarter.

Webster scored the first six points of the third period, but Allie Massner was able to stop the run with a jumper at the 8:47 minute mark for the first Iowa Wesleyan points of the second half. Darby Massner drained a three pointer and Emily Hammel followed with a layup to bring IW within 18 points of the Gorlok lead. The Tiger offense had another dry spell, and Webster was able to take advantage by scoring eight points during the stretch to build their lead back up. With 3:23 left in the quarter, Darby hit another three-pointer to get the lead back under 20 points. Webster hit a three on the next possession, but in the final three minutes of action, both teams were held scoreless by the defenses.

Iowa Wesleyan and Webster each scored 16 points in the final period. After four points were scored by the Gorloks, Allie made a layup for the first IW points of the fourth quarter. The Tigers were unable to get the lead back under twenty points and dropped the conference game to the Gorloks by a final score of 65-85.

Allie had a game high 27 points after finishing the night 10-22 from the field. She made four three pointers and grabbed seven rebounds for the Tigers. Darby added 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists in the game. Mickley recorded six points off the bench for the Tigers.

IW will return to Ruble Arena this Saturday when they host Spalding University. Iowa Wesleyan will host Tiger Athletic Appreciation Day this weekend as well with doors opening at noon and the women's game tipping off at 1 p.m. The Tigers are now 3-13 overall and 2-8 in conference play.