(QUINCY, Ill., Nov. 18)—The McKendree University women's basketball team closed out its stay at the QU Tip-Off Classic Saturday with a 72-54 loss to Winona State University.
 
The Warriors raced to a 23-10 lead after one quarter thanks to 55.6 percent shooting (10-of-18) from the floor and held off the Bearcats to notch the win. McKendree moves to 1-2 on the season and will have 10 days away from the court before returning to action Nov. 28 with a non-conference game at Lindenwood University. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
 
Sophomore guard Madison Hart was the lone McKendree player to score in double figures with 11 points. Junior forward Jordan Morton and sophomore guard Jordan Heberg each connected for nine points, while Morton also pulled down five rebounds. Sophomore forward Shayli Florine led the Bearcats on the glass with six rebounds.
 
After McKendree scored the first basket of the contest, Winona State (3-0) reeled off 16 straight points over a four-minute stretch to grab the lead for good. The Warriors made seven of eight shots during the burst in building its 14-point lead. The Bearcats put together a 6-0 run later in the period to rally within 19-10 with 1:54 left in the quarter. Winona State answered with baskets on its final two possessions to take its 13-point lead after 10 minutes of play.
 
Winona State shot 50 percent in the first half in building a 38-19 lead at the intermission. McKendree caught fire from the field in the third quarter, knocking down 6-of-10 shot attempts (60 percent) but could not cut into the Warriors' lead. The Bearcats turned up the defensive pressure in the final period, limiting Winona State to just 1-of-8 from the floor (12.5 percent) while outscoring the Warriors 17-12.
 
Liz Evenocheck paced Winona State with 19 points, while Rachel Novotny added 10 points and seven rebounds in the contest. The Warriors won both of their contests at the QU Tip-Off Classic, opening with a 69-59 decision over host Quincy University Friday evening.