MBU Athletics

BURBONNAIS, Ill. – Missouri Baptist Women's Basketball (0-1) hit the hardwood for the first time this season against a strong opponent in (RV) Olivet Nazarene University (1-0). The Tigers' aggressive defensive game plan forced the Spartans into a slew of turnovers, resulting in a final score of 94-82 in favor of ONU. 

MBU senior Jenna Plymale holds the honor of scoring the team's first points during the 2026-27 campaign, knocking down two free throws to put Missouri Baptist on the scoreboard first.  

Olivet Nazarene took little time to energize their offense, scoring seven straight points and creating a lead that would remain through the remainder of the first period.  

The newest addition to the Spartans' roster, graduate student Kamryn Winch, was dominant in the first quarter herself, going a perfect four for four from the field, including a three-pointer and two free throws, for eleven points. Despite her efforts, twelve turnovers caused the Spartans to trail 30-24 after one. 

Quarter two would remain competitive, witnessing scores being traded back-and-forth between the two teams. Each side contributed 18 points to their totals, entering the break with a score of 48-42.  

Halftime adjustments assisted Missouri Baptist throughout the majority of the third period, a quarter in which they saw their first lead of the game since the opening free throws. A Sydney Reddin steal and score initially brought the score within two points with 4:16 left in the quarter. Following another Tiger score, Winch cleaned the glass off a Spartan miss and scored on the second-chance opportunity to keep with game within a pair. 

Two free throws by Winch shortly after tied the contest, and two more from Isabella Webb gave Missouri Baptist the lead, one they would hold onto for the remainder of the period, leading ONU 71-70 despite adding 14 more turnovers to their total. 

Momentum flipped back to the home team in the final period, however, as Olivet Nazarene regained the lead less than a minute in. Outscored 24-11, MBU fell just short of a massive early season win over an opponent that is receiving votes. 

Winch was truly a force down low for Missouri Baptist, leading the team in scoring with 26 points on an efficient 10 of 11 from the field, adding 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the young season. Reddin followed close behind with an 18-point outing. 

Webb and Madelyn Eads added 11 and 10 points off the bench, respectively. 

Turnovers were the Achilles' Heel for MBU, losing possession 40 times while the Tigers turned the ball over just 13 times. On those 40 turnovers, ONU was able to score 45 points. 

On the flip side, Missouri Baptist led in points in the paint, 50-36, identifying what could potentially be a strength for this Spartan squad. 

MBU Women's Basketball will remain in Illinois for a scrimmage with Governor's State University tomorrow, before returning home for their season opener against Crowley's Ridge College on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd at 5 p.m.