DENTON, Texas – The Nova Southeastern Sharks battled defensively in the second half, but were unable to overcome an early deficit, falling 69-51 to Texas Woman's University on Monday night at Kitty Magee Arena in their season opener.
SCORE: Nova Southeastern 51 | Texas Woman's 69
RECORDS: Nova Southeastern (0-1) | Texas Woman's (3-0)
LOCATION: Kitty Magee Arena | Denton, Texas
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Texas Woman's seized control early, holding the Sharks to just nine first-quarter points while building a 19-9 advantage after the opening 10 minutes. Avery McConnell led the Pioneers offensively with eight points in the period, while the TWU defense forced six Nova Southeastern turnovers.
The Pioneers extended their lead in the second quarter behind a balanced attack from McConnell and Summer Sodek. Texas Woman's outscored NSU 21-12 in the frame and closed the half on an 8-0 run to take a commanding 40-21 lead into the locker room.
Nova Southeastern showed life in the third quarter, cutting into the deficit behind strong play from Elaina Kline-Ruminski and Kimaya Williams. The Sharks managed 17 third-quarter points and continued to battle on the defensive end, but Texas Woman's maintained control and carried a 57-38 lead into the final period.
The Sharks continued their push in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to 17 points following a fastbreak layup by Kline-Ruminski with 9:44 remaining. However, Texas Woman's responded with back-to-back baskets from Madi Lumsden and McConnell to halt the momentum. The Pioneers held NSU to 13 fourth-quarter points and secured the 69-51 victory.
Nova Southeastern was led by Kline-Ruminski, who scored 14 points, including three three-pointers. Kimaya Williams added nine points, while Celeste Reed contributed six points and key energy off the bench. The Sharks forced 19 turnovers but were unable to overcome 28 turnovers of their own and a 40-21 halftime deficit.
The Sharks will face Florida Tech on Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM to open up the season at home. To stay up-to-date on Sharks Women's Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter/X at NSU_WBasketball.
