Women's Basketball Downed in Home Opener

CRETE, Neb. - The Doane women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 70–65 contest to visiting Park (Mo.) on Saturday afternoon inside the Haddix Center. Despite a strong fourth-quarter push, the Tigers couldn't overcome early turnovers and missed free throws down the stretch.

Park jumped out to a quick 16–10 lead after the opening quarter and maintained control through the first half, holding a 31–27 advantage at the break. The Pirates' inside presence proved tough to contain, as they scored 40 of their 70 points in the paint.

Doane found its rhythm after halftime. The Tigers matched Park shot-for-shot in the third quarter, sparked by the scoring tandem of Rylie Rice and Mattea Kassebaum. Rice poured in a game-high 20 points, going 9-of-10 from the free throw line, while Kassebaum added 19 points and five rebounds.

The Tigers entered the final frame trailing by just six and mounted a late rally behind defensive pressure and timely shooting. Keeleigh Knobbe and Megan Chambers each contributed 11 points, with Chambers adding a team-best 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Doane outscored Park 21–20 in the final period.

Ella Johnson anchored Doane's defense with nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Addie Hatcliff added a three-pointer and two steals. The Tigers shot 35.3 percent from the floor and 62.2 percent from the line but committed 22 turnovers that led to 21 Park points.

For Park, Charleece Davis led the way with 17 points and six assists, while Marina Perdiguero posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Doane (2–1) returns to action Saturday, November 15, with a home matchup against Northwestern (Iowa) to open conference play.

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