SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Just what the doctor ordered - a fast start, a quality offensive performance and a resounding North Coast Athletic Conference victory over visiting Hiram, 67-31.
Coming off a frustrating performance at Kenyon three days earlier, the Tigers needed a shot of confidence, and they got it against Hiram, starting with another stellar performance from junior post Katie Gregorevich (Northfield, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit). Gregorevich scored 14 of the Tigers' first 18 points en route to a 22-point, six-rebound night, and Wittenberg broke out to a commanding 38-13 advantage by halftime.
The second half wasn't quite as successful from an offensive standpoint for the Tigers as they committed more turnovers and shot for a lower percentage. However, the Tiger defense was solid all night, limiting the Terriers to matching 21.4 percent shooting halves and forcing 26 turnovers.
No other Tiger player managed more than seven points in the game, although all 13 players in uniform appeared in the game for at least 10 minutes. Senior post Kathy Hittle (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) stuffed the stat sheet as she always does, finishing with seven points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals. Also of note was the play of sophomore wing Katie Gardner (Newark, Ohio/Catholic), who came off the bench to post season-highs of seven points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Overall, Wittenberg shot 44 percent from the field, although that did include a 1-of-10 performance from three-point range. The Tigers won the battle of the boards by a 50-36 margin, but on the downside Wittenberg finished 12-of-24 on free throws. Hiram, on the other hand, was led by Brittany Mayle's nine points. The conference's leading scorer, Cassie Bedard, was held to four points in the game on 1-of-10 shooting from the field.
The Tigers get right back at it Saturday against Allegheny, one of the five teams vying for the No. 2 spot in the NCAC regular season standings behind unbeaten Denison.