By Michael Freeman, Assistant Sports Editor
A late-second layup by sophomore forward Jamie Meyer handed the Wildcats a 66-65 victory over Lubbock Christian Saturday afternoon in Moody Coliseum. The game was an exhibition game for ACU, so the win did not affect the Wildcats’ record. However, the game counted toward Lubbock Christian’s record, which is now 0-1.
“Lubbock Christian is a great team,” said head coach Shawna Lavender. “I was fairly pleased with the way we played, but I didn’t think we shot the ball very well, and we didn’t play great defense. But I think one of the things that was really good for us was playing in a close game early and finding a way to win.”
Junior center Audrey Maxwell led the Wildcats Saturday with a double-double performance of 24 points and 16 rebounds. Maxwell also had four blocks, including one on the last play of the game as Lady Chap guard Sierra Wilcox-Lovorn tried to give Lubbock Christian the win. The Lady Chaps fell behind with 10 seconds left in the game after Meyer scored a fast-break layup off an assist from sophomore guard Kat Kundmueller. Meyer finished the game with six points to go along with six rebounds.
“I almost called a timeout before she made the pass,” Lavender said. “Kat made a good look, and Jamie finished and got fouled at the same time. We did the right thing offensively, and were able to make a good defensive stop at the other end.”
Senior point guard Alex Guiton and junior forward Kristee Davidson also ended the game scoring in the double-digits with 15 and 14 points respectively. ACU freshman guard Autumn Whitaker and freshman center Jenna Simmel got their first playing minutes in Saturday’s game. Neither scored, but Whitaker contributed with one block, while Simmel grabbed one of the Wildcats’ 36 rebounds.
“I thought they did a good job,” Lavender said. “The thing I liked about both Autumn and Jenna when they came in is they didn’t play hesitant at all. They’re just going to get better every game.”
ACU will play its first regularseason game on Friday against the Incarnate Word Cardinals in Austin. Friday’s game will also be Incarnate Word’s opening game. Last season, the Wildcats played Incarnate Word twice, both times coming away with a win. ACU started last year by beating the Cardinals 80-62 on the road. Then on Dec. 14, the Wildcats won 67-55 at home. The Wildcats also beat St. Edward’s; a team ACU will play on Saturday in Austin.
“It’s going to be a good test for us, both Friday and Saturday,” Lavender said.
