Avila Drops Non-Conference Contest against Peru State

PERU, Neb. – Avila women's basketball played its fourth straight non-conference contest to open up the 2023-24 on Friday night in Nebraska, where the Eagles (0-4) fell to former HAAC foe Peru State (3-1) by a final count of 85-65.

Not for the first time in non-con action this fall, the Eagles finished the night strong, outscoring the Bobcats by seven in the fourth quarter and battling for much of the first quarter to stay in the game. That lasted until Peru State began to seize control down the stretch of the first period and never looked back, and a poor shooting night from Avila across the board (35% field goals, 19% from three) never gave the Eagles a shot to rally after they went down by ten after the first period.

Hannah Pinkston was dialed in early into her fourth game in the NAIA to more than keep Avila within reach of PSC in the first quarter. Pinkston knocked down a three off an assist from Cecelia Eddy on Avila's first possession to give the Eagles their first lead, and after Samantha Stewart scored for the Bobcats Pinkston answered right back to put Avila in from 5-4 with two minutes gone.

Hailey Ingram then made back-to-back layups for the home team to put them in front 8-5, and they never trailed again. Pinkston scored nine of Avila's first 11 points on the night to help keep the Eagles within 12-11 with about four minutes left in the first, but the Bobcats closed the first quarter on a 9-0 run and then kept Avila scoreless until Madilyn Melton scored with about three minutes gone in the second period – and that was all the edge the Bobcats needed in an 85-65 win.

Ingram finished the night with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting for Peru State, while Kaylan Larry added in 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting off the bench. Pinkston finished with nine points, all in the first half, along with eight rebounds and three steals; Marlie Wright scored nine with eight rebounds and three assists; and Eireon Adams scored nine in just 13 minutes in the second half.

The Eagles now have a little time off from competition before they return to the floor for the start of KCAC play next Wednesday, November 15, in Leavenworth against Saint Mary. The women begin the first conference doubleheader of the season at 6 PM with the men to follow at 8; as always, you can watch all the action all season long on the KCAC Network.