Nov. 19, 2014 By Kali Schmieding

The UW-Whitewater Warhawks women’s basketball team won their season opener with an 86-68 win over the University of Chicago Maroons at 2 p.m. on Nov. 14 in the Kachel Gym.

In the first half the ’Hawks and Maroon’s were tied 9 different times. The game was tied 29-29 when the ’Hawks went on a 10-2 run with 2:27 seconds in the half.

Freshman forward Andrea Meinert and junior guard Abbie Reeves each scored two free throws giving the ’Hawks a 43-35 lead going into the half.

“I personally played a well-rounded game,” Reeves said. “I didn’t shoot as well as I would’ve liked, but that happens. When I’m not making shots I really try to get to the free throw line to create shots for others and do the little things.”

The Maroon’s had 22 points in the paint and the ’Hawks only had 12 in the first half. The ’Hawks also scored 13 points off of turnovers.

Sophomore guard Reilly Stewart made the first basket of the second half to bring the ’Hawk’s lead into double digits.

“It was great to start the season out on a win especially on our home court,” Reeves said. “Some positive things from the game were that we beat a very good team. They could all shoot and drive, so it shows we can play with good teams if we keep working hard.”

The Maroon’s continued to score and brought the game within four points.

Over the next four minutes the ’Hawks went on an 11-3 run leading the Maroon’s 69-57.

In the final two minutes the ’Hawks went on another 11-3 run. This sealed the win for the ’Hawks.

Reeves’ had 19 points and went 12-14 from the line.

“I shot 12-14 from the free-throw line which was good since it was a close game,” Reeves said. “Making our free throws really helped close the game.”

Stewart led the team in scoring with 20 points. She was 5-9 from the field, 2-4 from long range, and 8-12 from the free-throw line.

Center freshman Kate McKay was a perfect 6-6 from the line and scored 12 points.

The ’Hawks had 46 rebounds including 21 on offense. The Maroons’ only had 29 rebounds total.

The ’Hawks will look for a second win at 7 p.m. on Nov. 19 at Elmhurst [ILL].