Box Score Ashland University women's basketball head coach Robyn Fralick likes to say that defense travels with you wherever you go.
The No. 11-ranked Eagles' smothering defense has been right at home at Kates Gymnasium, too.
AU has completed the first semester portion of the 2015-16 season at 10-0 following an 81-49 win over Urbana (3-5) on Sunday (Dec. 20) in the second and final day of the Holiday Inn Express Tournament at Kates Gymnasium. The Eagles have won their most games in a row to begin a campaign since the 2012-13 NCAA Division II national championship team started 24-0.
In two tournament games this weekend, Ashland allowed 49 points in each, and in five home games so far in 2015-16, the Eagles are allowing 52.2 points per contest.
"We knew coming in Urbana's a very good offensive team, scores a lot of points," Fralick said. "We're really proud of the defensive effort, especially in the second half."
For the second game in a row, AU also had a balanced offense, as seven Eagles scored at least six points. Sophomore forward Andi Daugherty led the way with 17 points to go with six rebounds and two steals, while sophomore forward Laina Snyder and junior guard Alex Henning each added 11 points. Snyder grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds, while Henning added six boards and a game-high five assists.
"It's just a really great feeling," Henning said of going through the first semester undefeated. "Everyone's working together really well. Everyone's buying in – all in."
In her first full season as a starter, Henning, AU's point guard, is averaging 6.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
"It's a good feeling," said Henning. "I'm just happy that my teammates put me in a good position, all the passes and finishing. It's really exciting."
Senior guard McKenzie Miller added 10 points in the victory.
Ashland had a decided 53-29 rebounding advantage over Urbana, and in two tournament games, totaled 42 offensive rebounds.
"We feel like with our team, that should be a strength," said Fralick. "It's something we emphasize."
The Eagles also turned 19 Blue Knight turnovers into 20 points.
In Sunday's first game, St. Joseph's, Ind. (7-4) topped Walsh (6-3), 86-56.
The Eagles will return to Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on Saturday, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. at Northwood. Ashland will look for a milestone victory in Midland, Mich., as it will come into the game with 699 all-time wins.
EAGLE NUGGETS: The Eagles are 21-1 (.955) in home games against non-conference opponents in this decade, and are 34-4 (.895) in such games in the last 10 seasons…Snyder, Daugherty and fellow sophomore forward Julie Worley have led or co-led Ashland in rebounding in all 44 of their games with the program…AU now is 102 games over .500 (123-21, .854) since the start of the 2011-12 campaign.
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