FAYETTE, Mo.— Woods women's basketball (1-0) started the year off with a comeback win against former America MidWest Conference foe Harris-Stowe State University (0-1). This marks the first victory of the Talisha Washington era.
The Owls trailed 55-50 entering the fourth quarter before exploding for 28-fourth quarter points to secure the win. Noku Mundoringisa opened the period with back-to-back three-pointers to give Woods a 56-55 lead. After Harris-Stowe briefly moved back in front, Makenzie Williams and Mya Pflasterer scored consecutive baskets to put the Owls ahead 60-57.
William Woods continued to feed Plasterer in the post, extended the lead to 62-59. Mariah Green-Williams and Pflasterer added matching baskets down the stretch to maintain momentum.
With the game tied at 68-68, Pflasterer scored to put William Woods ahead before Green-Williams converted a mid-range jumper to extend the lead to 72-69. Deyja Mayes added a basket with 22 seconds remaining, and Shamiah Jones scored on a fast-break layup following a Makenzie Williams steal. Jones added another layup with six seconds left, securing the 78-71 victory. The Owls defensive efforts in the final minutes preserved the win.
Pflasterer led the Owls with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Green-Williams recorded nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while Mayes added 11 points. Jones finished with 12 points, and Mundoringisa contributed nine points and three assists.
William Woods finished with 44 rebounds and 16 assists while scoring 28 points in the fourth quarter. The Owls also converted nine steals into 18 points off turnovers.
The Owls return to action tomorrow afternoon against a new opponent in Cumberlands University (Tenn.)
