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Wesleyan women chop down the Woods
Tigers run past William Woods Owls in first home game of season
MT. PLEASANT — For the first time since its national appearance in 2021-22, the Iowa Wesleyan women’s basketball team was in action at home on Wednesday night, as the Tigers took on William Woods University in a non-conference game. The Tigers slashed the Owls 70-57 for their first home win of the season.
Iowa Wesleyan wasted no time getting off to a good start. The Tigers jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter before finishing the period up 19-11.
Iowa Wesleyan kept the pressure on in the second. The Tigers led by as much as 17 points before heading into halftime with a 38-24 advantage.
“I think we did a lot of good things early on,” said Iowa Wesleyan head coach Steve Williamson. “We kind of had a little lull, but then we got back going again.”
William Woods played the Tigers tighter in the second half, even outscoring Iowa Wesleyan in the third. The Owls had the Tigers’ lead down to as little as eight points, but could never get closer.
“Overall, I thought we played well,” Williamson said. “It’s still early in the season. We’ve still got a lot to work on, but they competed, they battled, and they did some really good things.”
Murray State transfer Isabell West led the way, racking up 24 points and 11 rebounds in just 24 minutes.
“I felt good,” West said. “I felt really good.”
West, who is the younger sister of 2021-22 Tiger standout and current assistant coach Brittany West, says she feels like she’s fitting right in with the offense, especially when the guards are making shots.
“They look for me inside, and if I’m doubled I kick it out to them,” West said. “They proved they can shoot it. Megan (Teal) lit it up tonight.”
Teal, another transfer playing her first game at Ruble Arena, knocked down four 3-pointers and scored 14 points on the day. Brielle Baker had 12. Breanna Wendland finished with nine, and Maci Kuchta had eight.
Faith Watkins had some big minutes off the bench, scoring one point, blocking three shots and pulling down seven rebounds. Riana Moore scored two points.
The Tigers are now 2-1 on the year. They will host Mount Mercy University next Wednesday.
Iowa Wesleyan’s Isabell West (34) grabs a rebound over a trio of defenders on Wednesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Iowa Wesleyan’s Breanna Wendland tips a rebound away from a pair of William Woods players on Wednesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Iowa Wesleyan’s Megan Teal puts up a corner 3-pointer on Wednesday night against William Woods University. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Iowa Wesleyan’s Maci Kuchta dribbles the ball up the floor during the Tigers’ win over William Woods University on Wednesday night. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
