Perfect 7 & 0
Junior Jessica Canary dribbles up court during practice at Nicoson Hall. Canary was named Most Valuable Player at the Disney Tip-Off in Anaheim, California.
By Kelley Sprinkle | Staff Writer
The University of Indianapolis woman’s basketball have had a perfect 7-0 start to their season.
The team started the season with a 3-0 record at the Disney Tip-Off Classic in Anaheim, Calif.
“The teams in Disney were good teams, and we learned early how our team must play together with intensity to be successful this season,” said sophomore forward Sarah Fenneman.
On Nov. 7, the ‘Hounds tipped-off the Disney Classic against Cal Poly Pomona University and got off to an early 6-0 start. After a first half battle, the game was tied at 29, but Meissel broke the tie with a lay-up to put the ‘Hounds ahead.
CPP would regain the lead for a short time before Meissel would score to put the ‘Hounds up again, and eventually win 67-57. UIndy caused CPP to commit 21 turnovers and held them to shooting 25 percent.
Meissel scored a game and career high of 27 points and also had four rebounds and one block. Junior forward Heather Rourk scored 11 points while senior guard Isabell Rhenwrick added 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
On the second day of the Tip-Off, the Greyhound’s played Central Washington University Nov. 8. UIndy scored the game’s first 12 points to take the lead and keep it throughout the game, and defeated Central 84-44. The ‘Hounds out-rebounded CW 51-34. Fenneman and freshman guard Megan Gardner led UIndy in scoring with 11 points each.
Going into the last day of the Tip-off on Nov. 9 against Concordia St. Paul University, the Greyhounds held a 2-0 record. Even though UIndy allowed Concordia to score the first basket, they won 77-60.
“Throughout the tournament, we were able to play 10 to 11 players every night out,” said head coach LeAnn Freeland. “This depth gave us a tremendous advantage toward the end of the tournament.”
Junior Jessica Canary and sophomore Samantha Meissel were named to the All-Tournament team and Canary won Most Valuable Player honors.
Off from a perfect season start, UIndy headed to Owensboro, Ky., to play in the Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) Classic Nov. 15-16, and improved their record to 5-0.
In the first day of the KWC Classic on Nov. 15, the ‘Hounds defeated Midway College 107-75. This was the first time UIndy has tipped over the 100-point mark since 2004. Meissel was the top scorer of the game with 18 points while sophomore Katie Lyons added 16 points and two blocks.
In the second day of the tourney, the ‘Hounds defeated Ferris State University on Nov. 16, 68-72. Canary was the top scorer for the ‘Hounds with 19 and also added nine rebounds and two steals to contribute to the win.
UIndy upped their record again to 6-0 by defeating Oakland City University on Nov. 19, 88-72.
Most recently, the Lady ‘Hounds narrowly beat Tiffin University on Nov. 22, 68-62 at home. The win moved UIndy to their current record of 7-0, while Tiffin fell to 1-3.
Neither team scored in the first four minutes of the game, until Meissel and sophomore Hillary Wenning gave the ‘Hounds a 5-0 lead. This would be the team’s largest lead of the first half.
Late in the fourth quarter, Tiffin caught up with UIndy to bring the game to a 40-40 tie with only 14 minutes to play. Junior Katie Dewey eventually guaranteed the win with four consecutive made free throws in the final minute of play, bringing the final score to 68-62.
Meissel led all scorers with 27 points. Canary had 12 points and seven assists in the victory.
The Lady ‘Hounds will host Grace College on Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m., and Hillsdale College on Nov. 30 at 3 p.m.
