SEARCY – The Harding women's basketball team travels to Warrensburg, Mo., on Thursday to take on Central Missouri in non-conference action at 7 p.m. The Lady Bisons head into the game with a 1-0 record.
Harding opened their season at home last Saturday as they defeated Christian Brothers 73-50. Sophomore guard Shana Holmes tied a career-high with 17 points to lead Harding. Holmes went 4-of-7 from the field, including two 3-pointers. She also hit 7-of-8 free throws.
Harding outrebounded Christian Brothers 49-27. HU grabbed 16 offensive boards in the game, turning them into 19 points. Arielle Saunders led the Lady Bisons on the boards with a game-high seven rebounds. Montana Lewis also grabbed six.
Harding returns four starters from last year's team – Montana Lewis, Tabitha Haney, Arielle Saunders and Kristen Celsor. Celsor was named All-GAC last season and Lewis was named GAC Freshman of the Year. Saunders was also named to the All-GAC Tournament Team. The Lady Bisons were picked to finish first in the GAC in the preseason coaches poll.
Central Missouri heads into the game with a 2-0 record after beating Webster, 92-49 and Evangel, 87-37. The Jennies are a NCAA Division II member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Central Missouri lost all five starters from last season that went 20-9 and fell to Pittsburg State in the first round of the South Central Region last season.
UCM is led by junior guard BreAnna Lewis who averages 19.5 points and 3.5 assists per game. Freshman guard Shelby Winkelmann also averages in double-figure scoring with 14.5 points per game. Senior forward Nicole Caddell leads the Jennies on the boards, averaging 9.0 rebounds per game.
Central Missouri has a storied program. The Jennies have made 17 NCAA tournament appearances, seven regional championships, six elite eights, four final four appearances and one national championship since their program started in 1970.
It will be the first meeting between the two teams.
Check Hardingsports.com for live stats and live video links.
