New Concord, OH- Wittenberg hit the road for a match-up against the Fighting Muskie's of Muskingum. The Fighting Muskie's went into the match-up with three wins under their belts but the Tigers looked for their second win of the season. A close battle with Muskingum left the Tigers with their first loss of the year and a score of 76-72.
The Tigers were led by Abigail Yunker, Jade Simpson, and Kristie Kalis in the Red & White's season opener and the trio was back in action with help from Delaney Williams and Kelsey Ragan in the starting five.
The Tigers easily outscored Muskingum in the first quarter, putting up 21 points compared to 13 on the opposing side. The second quarter became more challenging for Wittenberg who were only able to put up nine more points, but were able to keep the lead heading into the half up 30-28. In the first half, Wittenberg led in three-point field goals with 33.3%. Wittenberg also led with 24 rebounds, ten being offensive and 14 being defensive. Wittenberg also controlled stats in assists, steals, and second chance points. Kalis led the first half in points, putting up 13 with 45% accuracy from the field. Simpson stepped up on the defensive side, picking up nine rebounds for the Tigers in the first half.
Wittenberg would be outscored in the second half, putting up 13 points in the third quarter and 29 in the fourth while Muskingum was able to put up 19 in the third and 29 in the fourth for a final score of 76-72 with the Tigers facing their first loss of the season. The Red & White went 41.7% from the field in the third quarter and were 2-2 on free-throws. The Tigers led in statistics on the defensive side, picking up seven defensive rebounds and would continue to lead in rebounds in the fourth quarter with 11.
Wittenberg Leaders- Krisite Kalis led the Tigers with 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Just behind in points was Abigail Yunker with 19. Tied with ten points each were Williams and Simpson. Williams also accrued six rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Up Next- The Tigers will return home for the inaugural Wittenberg Tip-Off tournament between Wittenberg, Anderson, and Augustana. The Red & White will take on Anderson first on the 19th at 7PM.