DOUBLE-DOUBLE FROM MARLIE WRIGHT NOT ENOUGH AS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS AT GRACELAND

LAMONI, Iowa – After attempting a comeback in the third quarter, Avila was outscored by 15 in the fourth quarter at Graceland on Wednesday night and fell to the Yellowjackets in their season opener, 73-52.

The star of the season opener for the Eagles was sophomore Marlie Wright, who put up 18 points – with 12 coming in the first quarter – and 12 rebounds, both game-highs for either squad.

Avila entered halftime trailing by nine, but made a comeback in the third quarter. A 6-0 run in the first stretch out of the locker room gave Avila momentum as the teams began the second half.

The Eagles entered the fourth quarter trailing by six, but the Yellowjackets pulled away in the home stretch, outscoring Avila 20-5 in the last frame.

Madilyn Melton was the other Avila scorer in double-figures, putting up 10 points on 4-10 shooting.

Graceland took control of the game down low, outscoring Avila in the paint, 36-8 and outrebounding the Eagles 40-25.

The Eagles are back on the road on Tuesday as they travel to Mission (Mo.) with a 5:30 PM tipoff.