by TUCSON, ARIZ. – The Arizona women’s basketball team earned its first win of the season, 62-59, in the season opener against UC Riverside Thursday night in McKale Center.
The Wildcats showed a balanced offensive attack tonight with three players in double-figure scoring. Mickayla Perdue led the way with 17 points, including three made three-pointers. She helped start the second half for the Wildcats, scoring eight of her 17 in the third quarter. Daniah Trammell and Noelani Cornfield were also in double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Cornfield also added eight assists on the night, leading the Wildcats in that category.
Arizona dominated defensively, capitalizing on 23 Highlander turnovers, converting them into 18 points. Nora Francois led the way defensively, leading the team with three steals and two blocks on the night. Sugapong, Cornfield, and Kamryn Kitchen each contributed two steals of their own for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats were down 25-23 at the half, but brought the heat to start the second half, using a six-point scoring run to regain the lead. Arizona outscored the Highlanders 39-34 in the second half to secure the victory.
The season opening victory marked the first in the Becky Burke era with Trammel, Molly Ladwig and Mireia Jurado making their collegiate debuts.
