DAVENPORT, Iowa – Olivet Nazarene University’s (ONU) women’s basketball team secured a 107-65 victory over St. Ambrose University on Monday in a conference road game. The Tigers were led by Khendel Rolison, who scored her 1,000th career point during the game. ONU had strong contributions across the board, with five players finishing in double digits and a solid team effort on both ends of the floor.
The Tigers wasted no time in the first quarter, outscoring St. Ambrose 32-14. Rolison was the catalyst, scoring 5 points in the opening period, including the basket that marked her 1,000th career point. Olivia Dirkse and Preslee Michael also made contributions, with Dirkse adding 5 points as well and Michael putting up 7 points. However, it was Rolison’s early performance that set the tone, as her leadership and scoring kept the Tigers in control from the start. Olivet shot 52.6% from the field in the first quarter, and their defense was stifling, forcing 9 turnovers from St. Ambrose.
In the second quarter, Rolison continued to shine, scoring 5 points and helping ONU extend their lead to 55-32 at halftime. Dirkse added another 6 points, while Cori Harald chipped in 4 points and 2 rebounds. Rolison’s relentless scoring kept the pressure on St. Ambrose, who struggled to match ONU’s pace. The Tigers maintained their dominance, shooting 75% from the free-throw line, while the St. Ambrose offense couldn’t find its rhythm.
The third quarter saw Rolison continue to lead the way, adding 4 more points. Molli Ward proved to be efficient, scoring 6 points and picking up an assist in the period. Harald added 7 points as the Tigers outscored St. Ambrose 30-20. Lindsey Nell and Lilly Dockemeyer provided solid play off the bench, scoring a combined 6 points in just 7 minutes of play. The Tigers maintained their comfortable 85-52 lead going into the final period, with their defense keeping St. Ambrose’s scoring in check.
In the fourth quarter, St. Ambrose fought back, outscoring Olivet 22-13, but the Tigers’ lead was insurmountable. Rolison continued to lead with poise, finishing with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for the game. Dirkse added 8 points, a rebound, and an assist in the final period as Olivet closed out the dominant 107-65 win.
Looking Ahead
ONU will return home for a conference matchup against Judson University on Dec. 7th at 1 p.m. CST. With Rolison, Dirkse, and Michael continuing to lead the charge, the Tigers will look to build on this dominant win and extend their strong start to the conference season.
–ONU—
*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu
For more news on ONU Athletics visit onutigers.com
