Oakland City, IN - Oakland City University women's basketball coach
Shayne Ross entered his fourth season at the helm of the team, carrying a record of 42-28. Hosting the Pioneers of Campbellsville University-Harrodsburg for the 2019-20 season opener in the Johnson Center, OCU kicked off their regular season with a disappointing loss, falling 89-82.
The Lady Oaks held a 20-14 lead at the end of the opening quarter, but saw their lead dwindle throughout the second frame, entering the locker room at the half leading 40-39. OCU outscored the Pioneers 28-18 in the third period, taking an 11 point advantage into the final 10 minutes, but were unable to hold off the visitors, losing by seven points in the end, falling to 0-1 on the young season.
Sophomore guard
Reanne Kietlinski led the way for the Oaks in scoring, putting up 20 points, on 8-15 shooting, to go with a team best six assists.
Tabby Klem, making her collegiate debut, came off the bench to post 12 points and five rebounds, while
Kiare Young began her sophomore campaign with 12 points and two steals.
Malia Schmittler had a double-double in her first game as a college freshman, putting home 11 points while hauling in a game high 14 rebounds, before fouling out with five minutes to play in the game.
Xerena Tompkins, the only upper classman in uniform for OCU, began her junior season with 10 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots.
Oriona Woods paced the Pioneers, notching a game high 23 counters, going 9-19 from the field, while grabbing eight rebounds, followed by a 20 point, 12 rebound effort from E'moni Washington. Nia Sheckles chipped in with 13 counters, followed by 12 points and four steals from Dymond Smith.
OCU held a 57-38 rebounding advantage, including a 22-16 lead on the offensive glass. The Oaks handed out 22 assists, three more than their opponents, while losing the turnover battle 25-13.
As a team, the Lady Oaks connected on 29-73 (39.7%) of their shot attempts, including 8-28 (28.6%) from three point range. CU-Harrodsburg made 37-82 (45.1%) of their field goal tries, knocking down 3-14 (21.4%) from long range. OCU went 16-22 (72.7%) from the charity stripe, while the Pioneers made 12-21 (57.1%) of their foul shots.
The Lady Oaks will be back in action on Wednesday, as they travel to Owensboro, Kentucky, to take on Kentucky Wesleyan College. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
