Statesmen Struggle in Olathe

Olathe, Kan. — The William Penn women's basketball team dropped a road contest Saturday, falling 78-36 to MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

William Penn (5-12, 2-7 Heart) was outshot 53.4% to 23.4% and outrebounded 41-27. The Statesmen forced 17 turnovers but struggled to capitalize, scoring just nine points off turnovers, while the Pioneers turned 24 William Penn miscues into 26 points.

William Penn stayed close early and trailed 12-9 five minutes into the game after Meghanne Freehill (Jr., Lewiston, Ill., Sports Management) knocked down a 3-pointer. It proved to be the closest margin the rest of the way.

MidAmerica Nazarene pulled away late in the first quarter to take a 23-13 lead and extended its advantage to 46-18 by halftime.

The second half followed a similar pattern as the Pioneers continued to build its lead, dominating inside with a 57-15 advantage in points in the paint.

Kayla Peoples (Sr., Waco, Texas, Nursing) led the Statesmen in scoring and rebounding with eight points and seven rebounds, while also tying for the team lead in assists with two. She shared the assist lead with Kayla Jones (Sr., Louisville, Ky., Psychology).

Kayla Carman (Sr., Gallitin, Tenn., Nursing) gave the Statesmen seven points off the bench, while Jones scored five.

Neva'eh Diaz-Doolin (Fr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Biology) also finished the day with five rebounds.

"We didn't execute on both ends of the floor today." Head Coach Sheawn Bedford Jr. said. "Turnovers and missed assignments on defense were the difference. Looking forward to being back in Penn Gymnasium next week for two games against Graceland and Missouri Baptist."

Next Up: William Penn returns home Wednesday to host Graceland in conference play at 5:30 p.m.