QUINCY, Ill. – Winona State University picked up right where it left off last season utilizing the three-ball to defeat Quincy University Friday night, 65-57. The Warriors shot 38 percent from beyond the arc in their first game of the new year, matching last season's total which ranked was third in the NSIC.
Sophomore Allie Pickrain showed no signs of early season rust, knocking down six three-pointers to finish the night with a game-high 18 points.
The Warriors and Hawks combined for 40 points in the first quarter that saw Winona State's early 8-2 evaporate after Quincy went on a 9-2 run late in the opening frame. Julia Silloway knocked down a three-pointer as the first quarter expired to cut the home team's lead to 21-19 before the Warriors took over in the second frame.
Quarter two started off with strong defense by both teams and eventually gave way to what would be the Warriors' most productive frame on both ends of the ball. Winona State outscored Quincy 18-5 in the second quarter, highlighted by four Warrior three pointers.
Silloway put Winona State up for good, knocking down the first basket of the quarter on either side to give WSU a 22-21 edge. Pickrain jump-started her night with a steal midway through the frame that led to her first of three buckets from beyond the arc in the quarter.
Coming out of the half with an 11-point lead, WSU allowed the Hawks to get back to within three, 40-37, but the Warrior defense held strong forcing a couple key turnovers to deny Quincy's comeback bid.
Winona State led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter on a basket by senior Rachel Novotny. The Hawks made another late run, but it wasn't enough as the Warrior defense held true to the finish line in capturing their first triumph of the season.
The sophomore connection of Silloway and Pickrain was working for Winona State on Friday. Four of Silloway's team-high five assists preceded Pickrain three-pointers.
The reigning NSIC Freshman of the Year, Pickrain, concluded her night shooting 67% from beyond the arc, adding three steals to her stat line as well.
Silloway (13), Kayla Schaefer (12) and Novotny (10) also made it into double figures in the contest. Schaefer added a team-high six boards.
Winona State's winning effort led to Quincy's third straight loss of the young season.
The Warriors return to action tomorrow afternoon against Truman State at 1 p.m.
