COLUMBIA, Mo – William Woods University (0-1) had its season opener as they went right down the road to Columbia to play a familiar foe, Stephens College (1-2).
The Stars came out firing, jumping to an early 15-3 lead in the first quarter. The Owls struggled to find their rhythm offensively, allowing Stephens to extend its lead heading into the second quarter.
Woods' offensive struggles continued as Stephens maintained control on both ends of the court. Freshman forward
Mya Pflasterer led the way with 10 points and 5 rebounds as Woods went into halftime down in the game 43-22.
Coming out of the half, the Owls' offense was clicking as they outscored the Stars 26-24 in the third quarter. Senior Guard
Mariah Prince and Pflasterer each put up 6 points for the Owls' offense, with Freshman
Abby Alivernia leading Woods with 7 points.
Despite a strong push in the second half, the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Pflasterer continued her standout collegiate debut with another 7 points in the final frame, but the Owls ultimately fell 80-59.
Pflasterer finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Prince put up 14 points and 5 rebounds before exiting the game with an injury. Alivernia would also put up 9 points for the Owls off the bench.
The Owls return to action on Saturday at 10 a.m., hosting William Baptist University as they seek their first win of the season.
