Eagle women take down West Liberty in final nonconference contest

The Eagles improve to 14-0 on the season

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AU Athletics

The Eagles have showcased immense talent as they sit No. 2 in the nation.

Cade Cracas, Sports & Digital Editor

The Ashland University women’s basketball team showcased its consistent undefeated efforts as they took down the West Liberty Hilltoppers, 97-68, in their final contest of 2022.

In the contest, the Eagles were led by senior forward Annie Roshak who recorded a massive 22-point game to go alongside 90 percent from the field and 75 percent from three-point range.

While they downed a former GLIAC foe in the Michigan Tech Huskies on Dec. 29, they had just two days to regroup and continue on their trek to becoming the top team in Division II.

When opening their contest against the Hilltoppers, the Eagles continued their usual fast-paced offense outscoring their opponent by a 10-point differential, 25-15 in the first quarter. They finished the first quarter shooting 68 percent from the field.

In the second quarter of play, the Eagles took a slight step back offensive only recording 19 points while the Hilltoppers recorded 18. Even with an increase in defense for the Hilltoppers, the field goal percentage for the Eagles stayed strong as they shot 69 percent from the field.

Heading into halftime, they led 44-33.

With continued confidence, they only built upon their lead in the second half as they put up 53 more points while the Hilltoppers put up just 35 more.

The Eagles were led by Roshak who recorded 22 points, forward Hayley Smith who put up 19 points and guard Hallie Heidemann who recorded 10 points while hauling in a team-high eight rebounds.

Alongside those three, transfers Zoe Miller and Savaya Brockington each recorded 13 points in the win.

They improved to 14-0 on the season while remaining 6-0 in conference play. With a loss from No. 1 ranked Grand Valley State, the Eagles look to move to No. 1 in the nation after being previously ranked at No. 2. They remain the only Division II women’s basketball undefeated team.

They look to take on the Cedarville Yellowjackets on Thursday, Jan. 5, at Kates Gymnasium at 5:30 P.M.