WILMINGTON, Ohio — A fast start provided little momentum for the Wittenberg Tigers as they dropped their first game of the 2007-08 season, 82-60 to the Wilmington Quakers.
The Quakers, who are receiving votes in the latest d3hoops.com poll, avenged last year's loss in Springfield to improve to 4-1 on the young season. Wittenberg, which opened with a win at Mount St. Joseph on Nov. 20, dropped to 1-1.
Things started well enough for the Tigers as they jumped out to an 11-2 lead through the first five minutes. But that advantage was shortlived as the Quakers responded with an 11-2 run of their own and never looked. By halftime, the Quakers had raced out to a 45-28 lead and the bulge expanded to as many as 36 points before Wilmington turned to the reserves over the final 10 minutes.
Wittenberg shot just 33 percent and was outrebounded 51-38 in the game. By contrast, the Quakers knocked down 48 percent of their shots, including 8-of-22 from three-point range. Jackie Hauke led Wilmington with 17 points and eight rebounds, while All-American Katie Streck added 15 points, three rebounds and three assists in 19 efficient minutes.
The Tigers were paced by senior wing Ellie Stonecash (Springboro, Ohio/Middletown Fenwick), who came off the bench to supply a career-high 14 points in 19 minutes. Senior post Katie Gregorevich (Northfield, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) added 13 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore poste Rachel Kohlruss (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) chipped in with eight points and three steals.
Wittenberg continues its month-long season-opening road trip on Dec. 8 at North Coast Athletic Conference preseason favorite Denison, followed by a game at defending national champion DePauw on Dec. 15.