Wesleyan wails Waldorf in Williamson’s return

MT. PLEASANT — Steve Williamson’s first game back at the helm went, pretty much, as planned on Wednesday night. The Iowa Wesleyan women handled Waldorf in their first game of the year, rolling 79-49.

The win came in Williamson’s first game at Ruble Arena since 2017, the first game at Ruble Arena with fans present since the 2019-20 season, and the first game for the Tigers since switching back to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics over the summer.

“There were a lot of mixed emotions,” Williamson said. “This place has been really special to me.”

The Tigers struggled early, falling down 8-2 in the first quarter before rallying back for a 17-16 lead after one quarter. Iowa Wesleyan exploded in the second, outscoring Waldorf 28-5 to take a dominant 45-21 lead at the half.

From that point on, the Tigers could cruise to a blowout victory.

“It felt great to be back in here and it felt good to see us put on a good performance,” Williamson said.

The Tigers were led by William Penn transfer Kyla Moore, who scored 25 points and coled the Tigers with three steals. Forward Brittany West hit four 3-pointers en route to an 18 point, eight rebound day.

Freshman Maci Kutcha scored 12 points, dished out five assists and tallied three steals in her first college game. Brielle Baker scored seven points. Maddie Williamson had six. Cassi Kraft scored five. Breanna Wendland had four, and Asantee Tillman scored two.

As a team, the Tigers had a huge day shooting the ball. Iowa Wesleyan shot 10-for-17 from 3-point land and went an immaculate 21-for-21 from the free throw stripe.

Iowa Wesleyan is now 1-0 on the year. The Tigers will have over one week of rest before competing in the Culver Classic in Canton, Missouri on Nov. 5 and 6. Their first game will be against Hannibal-LaGrange University.