Week 2 Preview: Aggies and Grizzlies Await in Hays

11/14/2019 5:55:00 PM

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney women's basketball team has its second crossover tournament of the young season this weekend, playing the Cameron Aggies and Adams State Grizzlies in Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State is the other team in the field with the game Friday against CU tipping at five and the battle vs. ASU starting Saturday at three. No radio will be available but fans can follow along with live video and live stats.

UNK is aiming to start 4-0 for the first time in 12 years. The Grizzlies, located in Alamosa, Colo., are a former Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) rival while Cameron hails Lawton, Okla., and the Lone Star Conference. The Lopers are 21-1 all-time vs. Adams and 2-0 against CU.

Cameron was picked 14th out of 18 teams in the preseason LSC coaches' poll. The Aggies beat the Grizzlies, 76-66, last weekend in a Texas tournament while falling to RMAC member Colorado Mesa, 87-49. Going 8-20 (5-15) last winter, they are currently led by #4 Maighan Hedge (17.5 points & 3.5 rebounds) and #35 Kami Porter (13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds & 3.0 steals pg).

Coming off a 2-20 season, Adams was tabbed 14 of 16 teams in the RMAC's preseason poll. In addition to the loss to CU the Grizzlies fell to Tarleton (Texas) State by a 69-41 score. Five-nine junior guard Stephanie Ruiz led the team in scoring last season (11.8) thanks to 51 made threes. The current roster also features 12 transfers including senior guard Zakiya Beckles (Division I Illinois State).

UNK got past Minnesota-Crookston and Wayne State by a combined 14 points last weekend at the Health & Sports Center. The Lopers were out shot from the field overall, 46%-43%, but overcame that slight difference thanks to three more made triples and six more made free throws. Kearney also a plus 7.0 turnover margin.

Grad transfer Haley Simental (16.5) and sophomores Brooke Carlson (21.0) and Maegan Holt (11.0) are all averaging in double figures in the early going with Carlson (9.0) and sophomore guard Klaire Kirsch (6.5) the leaders on the glass. Kirsch also leads the team in assists (nine) and steals (eight) with Simental (four) one of four players with at least three made triples.

UNK heads to rival Chadron State next Wednesday night and then returns home to face Nebraska Christian on Saturday.

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