IRVING, Texas – The Austin College women’s basketball team split its two games at the University of Dallas Tournament over the weekend, falling to George Fox University 69-53 on Friday before routing the University of Ozarks 63-33 on Saturday afternoon. The ’Roos are now 1-2 on the year.
Against George Fox, a team that reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Tournament a year ago, the ’Roos went into the locker room trailing just 31-30 but a 13-2 run by GFU to open the second half proved to be the difference, as Austin College was unable to recover. The ’Roos managed to cut it to a 55-44 game after seven straight points by Katy Williams, but that would be as close as they would get.
Williams finished the game with 19 points and nine rebounds, hitting 8-of-14 shots from the field and added three assists and a pair of steals. Kersti Marusich was the next highest scorer, chipping in with seven points in her first collegiate start.
On Saturday the ’Roos held Ozarks to just eight field goals in the entire game, including only three in the second half, on their way to the blowout win. The ’Roos also dominated on the boards, out-rebounding Ozarks 35-24 in the game, and forced 23 turnovers. After heading into the break leading by 10, the ’Roos got points from seven different players, including eight from Williams and six points on 3-of-3 second half shooting by Allison Taylor, to run away for the 30 point victory.
Kayla Redden drilled 3-of-4 three pointers on her way to a team-best 13 points and Williams notched her first double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 boards while handing out a team-best four assists.
Austin College is home next weekend for the Austin College Thanksgiving Tournament, which will feature Southwestern University, Gustavus Adolphus, and Oneonta State. The ’Roos will open the tournament with a 5:00 p.m. game against Gustavus Adolphus on Friday in Hughey Gym.
Austin College athletic teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
About Austin College
Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located just north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives.
