The William Woods University women's basketball team will put its 2-0 record on the line tonight against another team ranked in the preseason NAIA Coaches' Poll, as the Owls host no. 20 Avila University at 5:30 p.m. The game, presented by Central Dairy, is the lone doubleheader on the fall schedule for WWU, with the men's contest set for a 7:30 p.m. tip.
The Matchup
WWU has been solid to open its season, bringing a 2-0 official mark into the contest. After earning the team's fourth consecutive preseason Top 25 nod, the Owls knocked off NAIA newcomers Lindenwood University-Belleville 73-60 to open the slate and stretched out to a late blowout in their home opener against Missouri Valley College.
Despite earning a no. 20 ranking, Avila has not started its season well and enters tonight's game with an 0-2 record. The Eagles have battled a pair of AMC foes on their slate, falling 49-58 to Park University at home and losing 64-69 to no. 21 Columbia College on the road.
National Rankings
The Owls are ranked tops in the nation across a number of categories on the year. WWU is the second-best free throw shooting team in the NAIA, hitting at a .814 (35-43) pace on the season. William Woods is in the top 50 in all three offensive shooting categories, claiming 14th with a .382 rate from distance and 34th with a .427 pace from the floor. The squad also continues its trend of solid defense, ranking 26th in shooting defense (.336 FG) and 29th in scoring defense (54.5 pts/gm) on the year.
On the glass, WWU is ranked in two of three team categories - 13th in defensive reb/gm (32.5) and 32nd in overall reb/gm (44.0) - and holds down 31st in rebounding margin at 8.0 per game. The Owls also claim the 37th best defensive rebounding pace, allowing just 36.0 per game.
Individually, five Owls are ranked nationally, led by
Olivia Storjohann. The senior ranks 10th in the country with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.0 through two games and is the 17th-best three point shooter in the country, hitting at a .556 pace.
Priscila Santos leads the Owls with a .818 success rate from the free throw line, good for 39th in the country.
Katie Scherder and
Blake French are also solid, with their respective assist-to-turnover ratios of2.5 good for 40th in the country.
Stephanie Copelin rounds out the quintet in 50th, averaging 1.0 blocks per game.
Balanced Attack
Although the sample size is a bit limited, the Owls have definitely displayed a balanced offensive mindset this season. Four players are averaging in double figures for WWU, led by
Priscila Santos with 15.5 pts/gm on the year.
Olivia Storjohann (12.5),
Ashlee Taylor (12.0) and
Stephanie Copelin (10.5) are above the line as well, with
Katie Scherder just shy of the plateau with 9.5 pts/gm.
Cleaning The Glass
The Owls are also solid in rebounding through a pair of games, averaging an eight-board margin over its opponents.
Stepping It Up
One of the players that head coach
Dan Chapla looked to have a greater contribution this year is
Stephanie Copelin. Through two games, the junior has managed to do just that, as she has averaged 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest.
Quick Look - Avila University
Avila comes into tonight's contest with a 0-2 mark. William Woods is the third American Midwest Conference foe on the schedule for the Eagles, with Park University and no. 21 Columbia College each besting AU on the year.
As a team, Avila has been stout on the glass, controlling a 46.5-27.0 edge, but much of that is due to Eagle putbacks and second chances. The Eagles have allowed their opponents to hit at a solid .394 pace from the floor on the season while mustering just a .317 pace for themselves, with an even wider gap from three point range (AU-.158; Opp-.367). The Eagles have turned the ball over 50 times, forcing only 31 turnovers for themselves.
Courtney Gimlin paces the Eagle offense, averaging 20.5 pts/gm. Cassie Bruner and Rebekah Capeder also contribute to the offensive ledger, with per-game paces of 12.5 and 10.5 pts respectively.
Sartorial Upgrade
After making its debut this season, the William Woods University competitive cheer squad will unveil its new uniforms at tonight's game. WWU added competitive cheer as one of its varsity sports in the spring of 2012, part of the NAIA's commitment to Cheer as an emerging sport. Several American Midwest Conference schools sponsor cheer as a sport - among them Missouri Baptist University, Hannibal-LaGrange University and Williams Baptist College - and the Owls are looking to add cheer to the growing tradition of success for the Owls.
Preseason Rankings
Coming off a solid 2011-12 campaign, the Owls were ranked no. 23 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll. WWU is one of two teams in the American Midwest Conference to earn votes in the preseason polling, with Columbia College ranked no. 21.
Voice Of The Owls
Returning to the broadcast booth this season is the duo of
Darren Munns and Craig “Boomer” McAndrews. In addition to their coaching duties for WWU Baseball, Munns and McAndrews serve as the primary broadcast tandem for the Owls webcasts.
Get Social With The Owls
In addition to the traditional outlets, fans can keep up with the latest news about Owls Athletics via our social media channels. In addition to our Facebook page (
Facebook.com/WWUOwls) and our twitter feed (
@WWU_Owls), athletic director
Jason Vittone (
Jason Vittone" target="_blank">@JasonVittone) has recently joined the blue birdy ranks.
WWU Athletics Hall Of Fame Nominations Open
In the spring of 2013, William Woods University will induct the inaugural class of the WWU Athletics Hall of Fame. Beginning today, you can visit
wwuowls.com/HoF_Submissions to suggest candidates for recognition.
Corporate Partners
Tonight's presenting sponsor is
Central Dairy.
Throughout the 2012-13 season, William Woods will take many opportunities to thank our corporate partners for their support both on and off the field for our student-athletes. Thanks to Atkins Inc., Central Dairy, Coldwell Banker Niedergerke & Co., Columbia Orthopaedic Group, Cost Cutters of Mid-Mo, Jack's Gourmet Restaurant, Holiday Inn Express, Joe Machens Dealerships, Mid-City Lumber, Mo-X, PEAK Performance, Red Weir Athletic Supplies, State Farm/Don Woodson and White Dog Promotions.
For more information on the WWU Corporate Partner programs, contact the Athletic Department at 573.592.1624.
