MILWAUKEE – The Mount Mary University basketball team kicked off the 2017-18 season tonight at the Bloechl Center. Visiting Dominican University took the victory in the home opener by a score of 79-34. Following the loss, the Blue Angels move to 0-1 on the season while the opposition starts off the 2017-18 campaign at 1-0.
The Stars jumped out in front early in the contest forcing ten first quarter turnovers from MMU, and scoring 10-of-19 from the field. The rhythmic offense from the Stars saw eight of those buckets come with assists. DU's Alisha Markley made the most of the timely passing with a pair of three pointers on her way to eight points in the opening frame.
The Blue Angels countered with five points from returner Rae Grubbs (So./Covington, Ind.) who led MMU in the first quarter as she attacked both inside and out. The sophomore went 2-of-2 from the free throw line and was 1-of-1 from outside three for her five opening-frame points.
In the second quarter, the Blue Angels tried to rally, but the Stars hit 7-of-20 from the field. The Blue Angels shot 2-of-14 in the frame, but were able to control the paint on the other end of the court as they came away with 10 rebounds in the frame. However, the defense from the Stars yielded a 39-14 halftime score.
The Stars came out in the third quarter and tried to grab a bigger lead, but the Blue Angels put up an early fight. Forcing the opposition into six turnovers in the quarter, MMU attempted to turn the tables with their high pressure defense. DU was able to add on despite the turnovers as they ripped down seven offensive rebounds in the third, making their 8-of-19 from the field much more effective than face value.
In the final frame the Blue Angels volleyed their most potent quarter of the night with 11 points. MMU shot 4-of-18 from the field, but the team shot a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line. As the Stars added 23 points in the finale minutes, they were able to grab the 79-34 victory.
"We have some work to do," said Mount Mary Head Basketball Coach Marc Heidorf. "But the make-up of this team is such that the time it takes to find a comfort level I believe will be less than in the past. Kids that hate to lose and want to do what it takes to get better."
"So we take the lessons, toss the rest and see what's what on Saturday."
Senior Becky Onan (Grafton, Wis.) led the Blue Angels in scoring with 11 points. Onan also added a team leading two blocks and ripped down six rebounds.
Newcomer Erica Williams (Fr./Bloomington, Ill.) had a very impressive collegiate debut. The rookie ripped down 10 offensive rebounds on her way to 15 total rebounds while also adding nine points and two steals.
Following tonight, the Blue Angels will have a few days to prepare for their next contest on Saturday. The Bloechl Center will play host as the Edgewood College Eagles make the trip from Madison, Wis. to take on MMU Sat. Nov. 18. Live stats and video for Saturday's 2:00 pm game will be made available at mtmaryathletics.com.
