BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – The No. 18 Southeastern women's basketball team earned its second consecutive win over a ranked NAIA Division I opponent, as the Fire defeated the No. 12 Baker University Wildcats 72-57. With the win, SEU improved to 11-0 on the season.
"It says a lot about our team and the caliber of girls we have in this program...These wins are hard to dispute when you talk about level of competition and strength of schedule," shared Head Coach
Tim Hays.
The Fire victory was due large in part to a rapid start. SEU quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead and did not surrender a point to Wildcats until 1:38 remaining in the first quarter. The opening onslaught was driven by senior forward
Sarah Green, who totaled four points, four rebounds, a block, and a steal during the opening 9:22 of play. Green finished the game tied as the leading scorer for the Fire with 13 points.
Southeastern led Baker 22-5 at the end of the first quarter. This marked the lowest first quarter point total the Fire have limited an opponent to in program history.
"We came out with a focus on effort and energy. I felt like our defense reflected that in the first five minutes," commented Coach Hays.
The Wildcats attempted to build some rhythm, sinking a pair of three pointers early in the second quarter. However, the Fire continued to find success with their up tempo offense. Graduate guard
Cassidy Block scored six points in a span of 1:45.
SEU led Baker 36-22 at the half. The Fire held the Wildcats to a 20% field goal percentage in the first half.
The Fire managed the game throughout the second half, growing their lead to as many as 24, with the Wildcats only able to trim the deficit down to as few as 13 in the fourth quarter.
Other top performers for SEU included senior guard
Bailey Hooker, who finished the contest with 13 points. Senior guard
Alyssa Ramos turned in an 11 point performance, accompanied by a pair of assists and steals.
"I am very proud of this team, the chemistry we have, and their consistent efforts week in and week out," said Coach Hays.
The Fire will look to continue those efforts as they travel back to The Furnace to host St. Joseph's College (Maine) on Friday December 30
th. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.
