The University of Redlands women's basketball team tested the waters of the 2014-15 season by taking on NCAA Division II competitor, Dixie State University (UT), in an exhibition game on Saturday in Currier Gym. While utilizing 14 players, the Bulldogs gained solid experience at every position but suffered a 62-80 loss. With the exhibition, the defeat and statistics are not counted for the official records.
The teams played a gritty opening 10 minutes as they each worked to create some type of rhythm in their respective offenses. With a 16-15 advantage, the Bulldogs saw the Red Storm pull away with a quick 12-point spurt. From here, Dixie State stretched its lead to 18 points by the final whistle.
The Bulldogs fired off a 50% performance from beyond the arc, with sophomore guard Jade Cheldelin (Portland, OR) knocking down two of the team's five three-pointers. She finished with a team-high 16 points in the game, as highlighted by her 6-for-11 effort from the field.
Freshman forward Allison Siksnus (Placentia, CA) and senior forward Victoria Fakalata (East Palo Alto, CA) made their presence known by chipping in eight points apiece.
DSU's Kaylah Miller got hot in the second half en route to a 23-point showing, as highlighted by her 5-for-9 performance from long range.
Overall, the Red Storm won the rebounding battle but only by a 48-44 margin. Brianna Jessop posted a game-high nine boards. For Redlands, sophomore guard Selena Iriarte (Wilmington, CA) and Cheldelin nabbed six apiece.
Redlands (0-0) looks forward to the official start of the 2014-15 campaign when it opens at home against the University of St. Thomas (MN) at 7 p.m. on November 15. Fans may follow the action via live stats and live streaming at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/redlands/.
