WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

It took the 20th-ranked Warriors of Indiana Tech an extra period to eventually sneak out of Platt Arena with an 80-74 win against the HU women’s basketball program Thursday night. It was the season opener for both teams and fans got their money’s worth in the overtime brawl as the contest featured eight lead changes and 15 ties.

Three freshmen started for Huntington, and each ended up in double figures to account for two-thirds of their team’s scoring. In her Forester debut, Olivia Raby went off for 21 points and 13 rebounds to not only enjoy a double double but game-high honors in each as well. The 6-1 center also collected two assists and two blocks, one of which came at the buzzer in regulation to send the game to OT.

Annaka Nelson’s college career also got off to a great start. The Fort Wayne native went 5-for-6 from deep on her way to pouring in 16 points. Rounding out the trio of impressive rookie performances was Bailey Kelham who posted 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Junior Gabi Melby also finished in double digits for HU by racking up 18 points in addition to posting a game-best seven assists, six boards and three steals.

Huntington came out firing on all cylinders to knock down three threes within the opening four minutes of play to bolt in front 12-6. The hosts led by four, 17-13, at the first break and maintained that gap by intermission to make for a 37-33 game at the midway point.

The Warriors made up their four-point difference by the end of the third for a 50-50 deadlock to set up a fourth quarter that didn’t disappoint as both teams spent the final ten minutes of regulation jockeying for any sort of advantage.

The fourth quarter saw three lead changes and five ties before the guests took control of the extra period, scoring first and then never trailing again. While HU stayed within striking distance, they couldn’t overcome the Warriors’ execution down the stretch at the line. Tech went a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe in the final :30 seconds to hold on for the win.

Juliana Burris and Genevieve Decker each registered 21 points for Indiana Tech while Erika Foy added 16 and pulled down 13 boards.

The Foresters (0-1) hit the road on Saturday to take on Holy Cross at 1:00 p.m.