WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

A balanced offensive effort and timely defensive adjustments powered the (RV) Huntington University women’s basketball team to an 85–70 come-from-behind win over Mount Vernon Nazarene Saturday afternoon inside Platt Arena. With the victory, HU improves to 5–3 (1–1 CL) while the Cougars fall to 4–5 (0–2 CL) and remain in search of their first league win. Just two games into conference play, only three CL teams remain perfect at 2–0.

MVNU came out on fire, erupting for 29 first-quarter points to build a double-digit lead within the opening five minutes. Huntington’s counterpunch was immediate and emphatic. Annaka Nelson drilled back-to-back threes in a 50-second span, and Allison Price splashed another triple moments later to slash the deficit to 16–13.

The Cougars carried a six-point lead into the second quarter, and although they extended it back to ten at 41–31, HU completely flipped the game from that point forward. The Foresters held MVNU scoreless for the final five minutes of the first half, while an offensive burst highlighted by an Addie Shank jumper, another Nelson three, and five points from Lauren Merritt fueled a 10-0 run that sent the teams into halftime tied 41–41.

The second half belonged to Huntington. The teams traded baskets until Kyndell Jochim buried a three with just over three minutes left in the third quarter to give HU a 59–57 advantage — a lead they would never surrender. Nelson followed with an old-fashioned three-point play and a trip to the line before the junior sharpshooter took over. Jochim dropped five points in the final minute of the third, including her second of three treys on the day, to send HU into the fourth quarter up 68–59. The Foresters remained in control throughout the final ten minutes, stretching the lead to as many as 15 by the final horn.

Huntington’s win was anchored by two major strengths: a remarkably balanced offensive attack and elite ball security. Seven of the eight Foresters who saw the floor scored in double figures. HU also protected the basketball exceptionally well, committing a season-low ten turnovers while forcing 20 MVNU miscues that led to 18 points going the other direction. The Foresters dominated the boards 42–32 and held a decisive 40–24 advantage in points in the paint.

The Foresters’ depth shined throughout the afternoon. Nelson led the charge with 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. Price added 13 points and provided steady playmaking, while Kyndra Sheets filled the stat sheet with 10 points, seven boards and five assists. Liv Raby added 10 points and six rebounds, and Addie Shank delivered an 11-point spark off the bench. Kyndell Jochim totaled 11 points, burying three timely threes and swiping four steals as part of HU’s improved defensive effort.

Mount Vernon Nazarene was led by Anna Swisshelm, who tallied 20 points and four rebounds in an efficient showing. Lily Shepherd followed with 19 points and five rebounds, serving as the Cougars’ main perimeter scorer. Angela Roshak chipped in 12 points, with Kylie Leibacher adding 11 to round out MVNU’s leading scorers. Despite their strong opening quarter, the Cougars managed just 41 total points over the final three periods, unable to sustain their early rhythm against HU’s adjustments.

Next up for Huntington is a non-conference home matchup Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. against Saint Xavier.