Nashville, TN- Wittenberg headed south to Trevecca Nazarene University to compete against Williams College. The Tigers have seen Williams in action one other time in program history back in 1984, winning 68-45. Repeating history, the Red & White were able to take down Williams with a score of 61-52.
The Tigers were led by Taryn Cash, Delaney Williams, Abigail Yunker, Kristie Kalis, and Jade Simpson on the court as Wittenberg's starting five. Cash picking up her first starting position of the year as a freshman. The starting line-up accumulated a total of 51 points, 30 rebounds, and an overall shooting percentage of 56.6%. As a team, Wittenberg was able to lead statistically on both offense and defense.
Wittenberg had a tough start to the match-up, waiting until the 8:39 mark to get on the board with a three-pointer from Cash. The Tigers were only able to put up 10 points in the first quarter, with Cash, Jaida Malone, and Yunker contributing. Wittenberg was able to come alive in the second quarter, putting up 18 points and staying within seven heading into the half. The first quarter trio was joined by Lauren Legate and Simpson with points, however senior Abigail Yunker led the way with eight points. Despite putting up 18 points, the Tigers headed into halftime down 35-28.
A fire was lit for Wittenberg in the third quarter, controlling the ball for over seven minute and putting 17 points on the board while limiting Williams to only two points. Delaney Williams got in on the scoring action in the third quarter with two made layups while Simpson led with seven points on the quarter. The Red & White were able to take the lead for the first time in the game at the 5:54 mark with a 38-37 score and ended the quarter ahead by eight. The fourth quarter would be more challenging for the Tigers and although Williams College put up a fight in the final minutes they were unable to regain control of the game. Wittenberg had six Tigers score in the fourth quarter, being led by Kristie Kalis with five points. Wittenberg added 15 points in the quarter for a final score of 61-52.
Prior to tonight's match-up, Wittenberg has averaged 65.2 points per game, going 38.7% from the field, 28.7% in three-point percentage, and 68.6% from the line. Wittenberg was able to surpass their season average in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage for the third game in a row. The Tigers went 40.3% from the field, 33.3% in three-points, and 77.8% from the line to improve their season average.
Wittenberg Leaders- The Tigers had eight different individuals score, being led by Abigail Yunker offensively with 18 points, going 2-2 from the line, 7-10 in the field, and 2-2 in three points. Following in points on the night was Jade Simpson with 13. Simpson also picked up 11 rebounds.
NCAC Leaders- Five Tigers sit in the top ten in the NCAC for statistics. Abigail Yunker sits at number seven for points in the NCAC with 137. Just behind Yunker is Kalis with 133 points. Jade Simpson sits at number nine in the conference for field goal percentage with a season average of 44.9%. Kalis and Yunker are in the top ten for three-points made this season with Kalis leading the way at number three, while Yunker sits at nine. For three-point percentage Yunker lands at number two in the conference with 46.7% while Kelsey Ragan lands at number six with 37.9%. Defensively, Jade Simpson lands at number five in the conference for rebounds with 89; 59 being defensive and 30 being offensive. Delaney Williams sits at number three for assists on the season with 45. (All NCAC Statistics are based prior to today's match-up. For complete NCAC statistical leaders go to https://www.northcoast.org/sports/wbkb/2021-22/leaders)
Up Next- The Tigers will return to action down in Nashville, TN at Trevecca Nazarene to compete against Juniata tomorrow afternoon . Tip-off is set for 3PM.