Daniel Williams/Collegian
Freshman Katie Cezat goes up for two points under the basket.
This could be the start of the most memorable season of Hillsdale College women’s basketball. Hillsdale was picked to finish first in the GLIAC’s South Division in the preseason coach’s poll, and all its players are returning from last season.
The team kicked off their official season with a 101-46 win over Concordia University at their first home game on Tuesday. The Chargers started with a 16-0 run aided by some transition baskets due to their defensive pressure. At the half, Hillsdale maintained a 42-21 lead over the Cardinals.
The depth of the Charger bench was evident in their game against Concordia when every Charger played at least 12 minutes and everyone was able to contribute to the final score.
“It’s really awesome when everyone can go in and score,” Senior Gretchen Rocco said.
Rocco finished with 13 points and four assists.
At 5’ 6” Jessie Miller is the shortest player on the team but she still managed to lead the team in rebounds.
“She just works really hard,” Rocco said. Miller brought down a total of 9 rebounds for the team.
Sophomore Julie Slot and Junior Nikki Wustman both finished with 18 points and one block each. Wustman made seven of her first eight shots and Slot pushed the Charger’s into triple digits with two baskets in the final minutes.
“We basically used this game to work on our new defenses that we’ve been putting in,” Slot said.
“We really collectively played well as a team tonight.” Assistant Coach Tracy Bruno said.
Bruno said she felt it was important that the team “make a statement” following their preseason victory against Western Michigan University. The Charges defeated Western 72-66 at University Arena in Kalamazoo on Nov. 6. Five Hillsdale players scored double figures for Hillsdale against Western, led by Gretchen Rocco’s 16 points. Lauren Fewins had 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Jessie Miller scored 13 for the team.
Despite Western’s run in the second half, the Charger’s “refused to lose” according to Bruno.
“We came out on a mission,” Bruno said. “We defended very well.”
This weekend the team will pack up and head to Montana for the Yellow Jacket Classic held at Montana State University in Billings.
“We’re just looking forward to a great season,” Rocco said.