LINK – ASHLAND UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PAGE
THE TURNING POINT: Ashland went on an 18-2 run at the end of the first quarter and start of the second to pull away.
STAT OF THE GAME: The Eagles forced 36 turnovers, the most in a game during their 41-game winning streak.
In its last game before heading to San Antonio, Texas, the No. 1-ranked Ashland University women's basketball team defeated Walsh, 87-60, on Monday (Nov. 20) night at Kates Gymnasium.
The Eagles are 4-0 overall, and their winning streak has reached 41 games, the fourth-best mark in the history of NCAA Division II women's basketball. Only two NCAA Division II women's basketball programs have won more consecutively – Washburn (51, Jan. 26, 2005-March 11, 2006) and North Dakota State (49, Feb. 25, 1994-Dec. 15, 1995 and 42, Jan. 19, 1996-March 8, 1997).
"It's a great start. It's where you want to be at this time of year," said Ashland head coach Robyn Fralick. "We've found different ways to win each of them. We're still growing. We found a way to beat a good Walsh team, and I know we're going to continue to get better."
The Cavaliers are 1-3.
In an uncharacteristic offensive performance overall (43.5-percent shooting from the field, 5-of-23 from 3-point range and 20 turnovers), Ashland got a 6-for-6 showing and 14 points from senior forward Julie Worley, who also collected three rebounds and a career-high-tying three steals in 24 minutes.
"That's something we've been working on in practice, just having better rotations (on defense)," Worley said. "That's just an adjustment that I made tonight."
Senior forward Laina Snyder led all scorers with 24 points, and added five rebounds, four assists and five steals. Sophomore guard Jodi Johnson added 17 points, seven boards, three helpers and four thefts, while junior guard Brooke Smith came off the bench to hit four triples and end the contest with 12 points and three steals in 20 minutes.
The Eagles ended the night forcing 36 turnovers, resulting in 30 points. Ashland had 24 assists on 30 made field goals.
For Walsh, Dominique Foley had a team-high 15 points, and Mayci Sales came off the bench for 13.
In the first half, the Eagles kept the Cavaliers to 26.9-percent shooting from the field and forced 21 turnovers. That led to a 43-24 AU halftime advantage after a 10-4 spurt prior to heading into the locker room.
Walsh got as close as 49-36 with six minutes to go in the third quarter, but Ashland sealed the victory with a 24-8 run.
The Eagles' win also is their school-record 42nd in a row at home in the regular season, 38th in a row in the regular season overall and 23rd consecutively at home.
UP NEXT: Two games at the St. Mary's Thanksgiving Classic in San Antonio, starting on Friday (Nov. 24) at 4 p.m. vs. Lubbock Christian.
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