The Ashland University women’s basketball team faced their first big test of the season and succeeded by defeating Lubbock Christian 79-66.

The No. 1 Eagles (5-0) competed in the Saint Mary’s Thanksgiving Classic in San Antonio, Texas last Friday (Nov. 24) and came out with a win against the No. 8 Lady Chaps (6-1).

This was the first time the Eagles faced a ranked opponent since the national championship game last March.

Leading the way for the Eagles was sophomore guard Jodi Johnson who posted 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and five steals. Johnson also shot 16 free throws in which she did not miss a single one, setting a new program record for the most free throws without a miss. This record was previously held at 14 by current AU associate head coach Kari Pickens.

Second in scoring for Ashland was junior guard Maddy Dackin who finished with 14 points.

At halftime, the Eagles led the Lady Chaps 38-30 but gave up a quick six points early in the third quarter. However, the Eagles counterattacked with a run of their own to go up 43-36.

Including this five-point run, Ashland outscored Lubbock Christian 28-13 to finish out the third quarter up 66-49 which ultimately keep them on top.

Lubbock Christian was led by freshman guards Allie Schulte and Madelyn Turner who earned 16 points and 11 points respectively. Junior forward Bobby Chitsey added 10 points for the Lady Chaps.

Both teams committed a high number of turnovers with Ashland having 22 and Lubbock Christian committing 27 turnovers. Lubbock Christian slightly edged Ashland in field goal percentage having shot 47.9% compared to the Eagles 46.9%.

The Eagles will look to continue their 42-game win streak as they take on St. Mary’s in their second game of the St. Mary’s Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday (Nov. 25) at 6 p.m in San Antonio, Texas.