Wisconsin Women's basketball took to the court for the first time this season in an exhibition matchup against Winona State Sunday, beating the Warriors 80-49 in the two teams' first meeting since the 2010-'11 season.
From the opening tip to the final whistle, the Badgers dominated. After scoring the first nine points of the game Wisconsin never forfeited the lead.
Winona State was held to just 23 first-half points and never found a rhythm offensively. Senior center Kate Hartman and senior guard Kelsey Andrist were the only Warriors with double-digit point totals, while Badgers defense forced Winona State to an abysmal 34 percent from the field.
Despite setting a school record 259 3-point baskets last year, Winona State completed only 5-of-23 from beyond the arc.
The Wisconsin captains, recently named by Head Coach Bobbie Kelsey, proved vital in the early portion of the game.
Senior captains Taylor Wurtz and Morgan Paige, as well as junior captain Michala Johnson controlled the tempo and allowed the more inexperienced players to be active on both sides of the ball. Senior center Cassie Rochel was the only captain not on the court, sitting out with a back injury.
Head coach Bobbie Kelsey was pleased with her team's defense and rebounding this afternoon and has high expectations going into the regular season.
"They are closer to a complete team than they were last year," Kelsey said.
Junior center Michala Johnson led the team in scoring and rebounding in her Badgers debut, after having to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. She shot 12-of-15 from the field, scoring 24 points and hauling in eight rebounds.
Another player the Badgers were happy to welcome back was senior guard Taylor Wurtz. Despite scoring just eight points, Wurtz showed an unexpected presence down low with eight boards. After missing last season with lower back pain, Wurtz admitted to being a bit nervous before the game.
"I was nervous until the quick start, then I settled down" Wurtz said.
Turnovers and inexperience proved problematic for the Warriors, turning the ball over 13 times after just three first-half turnovers. This allowed Johnson to use her athleticism and get transition baskets.
"She's athletic, she can run the floor like a deer," Ballard said.
After losing seven letter winners from last year's team, Ballard was forced to play seven freshman. The young Winona State team was no match for the experienced Badgers, who have just three freshmen on their roster.
The Badgers finish their pre-season schedule at home Thursday against UW-Stevens Point before regular season play begins Sunday against Drake University.
