No. 1 Eagle Women Surge To Home Victory Against Ursuline

The 2023-24 season has been nothing short of fantastic for the No. 1 Ashland University women's basketball team.

Ashland hosted Ursuline on Thursday (Feb. 8) night at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium, finishing the night with a roaring 85-64 win. Throughout the game, four Eagles totaled double-digit points, led by junior forward Zoe Miller's 21 points and eight rebounds. In Miller's first game starting this season, she shot 9-of-13 from the field in helping put the Eagles ahead early in the first half. From there, Miller's influence on the evening never depleted. Once she found her rhythm, it opened opportunities for the rest of the squad.

As Miller controlled the post, fifth-year forward Annie Roshak lit up the court from deep with a perfect 3-for-3 on 3-point attempts. Roshak's 19 points raised her career scoring total to 2,193, placing her second all-time for career points in program history. Roshak also contributed one block and two steals en route to the victory, setting the tone for everything Ashland accomplished for the evening.

Junior forward Hayley Smith led the evening in rebounding, ending with 12 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Night after night, Smith pushes opponents to the limit, securing nearly every missed shot that falls her way. As Ashland journeys toward another year as a postseason favorite, Smith's contributions bolster the team's front-court prowess.

The next generation shines as Ashland cruises to victory

While the Eagles continue to appreciate production from their upper-class leadership, numerous fresh faces to the team have made their presence felt this year. Freshman guard Lexi Howe added 14 points and four assists, along with a game-high three blocks. Howe's early impact for the Eagles shined against the Arrows, a consistent trend since her arrival to the starting five. She also piled onto the Eagles' 3-point barrage, going 3-of-5 from long range.

As the final buzzer neared, Ashland head coach Kari Pickens gave the next generation center stage. Freshman forward Katelyn Harabedian instantly took advantage of the opportunity, scoring through contact for an and-1 post shot in the final minutes. As the sun sets on Ashland's legacy-defining leadership, the Eagle youth never seem to fall short to showcase the bright future for Ashland women's basketball.

With a versatile core of both veterans and newcomers, the Eagles still stand atop the nation in Division II women's basketball with a 20-1 overall record and perfect 13-0 conference record. Ashland's next game will come on Saturday (Feb. 10), as Ohio Dominican visits for a 1 p.m. tip.