FULTON, Mo. – William Woods women's basketball (1-7, 1-4 Heart) earned their first win of the season, 55-52, against Culver-Stockton College (4-5, 1-4 Heart) in front of a packed Anderson Arena on Wednesday night. This win marks the first for the Owls under the direction of first-year head coach Morgan Scott, as well as the first Heart of America Athletic Conference win for The Woods women's basketball team.
Early on, neither team could gain separation. The Owls opened with energy, but turnovers and fast Wildcat second-chance points pushed WWU into an early 14–11 hole after the first period. The deficit grew to eight midway through the second quarter, and Culver-Stockton carried momentum for the majority of the quarter. Yet the Owls' defense—anchored by Mariah Prince's aggressiveness in the paint—refused to break. A late surge trimmed the margin to 20–19 at half, setting the stage for a close-knit finish.
The third quarter became the turning point for the Owls. Jersee Wren caught fire with seven points in the 15-point quarter, helping the Owls take their first significant momentum of the game. Culver-Stockton wouldn't go quietly, as they clawed back to reclaim a 37–36 lead heading into the final ten minutes of play.
What followed was the Owls' most poised stretch of the season.
Wren buried two huge threes as The Woods' offense finally found their rhythm, and Prince provided much-needed defensive stability in the paint over the stretch. Mya Pflasterer knocked down five free throws in the quarter to keep the Owls in front as the clock wound under two minutes.
Culver-Stockton battled back with a late push but were unable to tie the game. When the final horn sounded, the Owls found themselves with their first win of the 2025-26 season.
Wren finished with 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting. Prince delivered a standout all-around performance with 10 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks, while Pflasterer added nine points and six boards. Abby Alvernia chipped in six points and two blocks, giving the Owls vital minutes on both ends.
The Owls are back in Anderson Arena on December 15th, in a one-game set to take on former American Midwest Conference opponent Columbia College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
