Box Score

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. –The Henderson State University women's basketball team (1-0) started out the 2013-14 in dominating fashion as the Lady Reddies surged past Hendrix College (0-1), 80-44, on Saturday evening at the Duke Wells Center.

Head coach Jill Thomas records her first win at Henderson State, as two of her Lady Reddies record double-doubles in the season opener.

"My first win feels good. They played hard and they protected home," said Thomas. "That is one of the things we talk about, this is our home floor. This is where our blood, sweat and tears have been throughout preseason. They played hard for 40 minutes. They are some things defensively that we going to have to clean up before conference play, but overall I am very pleased with our effort and intensity throughout the game tonight."

Sophomore Dulincia Keener (Texarkana, Ark.) was the first Lady Reddie of the 2013-14 season to record a double-double and finished with a career-high 22 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Aungelique Sledge (West Helena, Ark.) added 13 points and 11 rebounds for her first double-double performance.

"Dulincia and Aungelique had absolutely phenomenal games for us," praised Thomas. "Our presence inside is huge and it's going to open up our guards, which is what we have been stressing a lot of in the preseason."

Henderson State hit 41.7 percent (30-for-72) from the floor and holding Hendrix to 32.7 percent (16-for-49).

Rebounding was the name of the game and was the key to the victory. HSU outrebounded the Warriors, 60-30, and the Lady Reddies battled for 32 offensive rebounds.

"We are extremely pleased with our rebounding effort. That was one of our biggest emphasis going into the game," stated Thomas. "We wanted to dominate offensively and defensively and if you look at our stats, there is no question we did that."

The continued pressure by the defense forced 26 Hendrix turnovers and allowing the Lady Reddies to add 11 steals.

In the first half, HSU was the first to get on board as Taylor Washington (Fr., Arlington, Texas) hit a jumper at the 18:26 mark.

Even at 6-6, HSU scored the next 13 points before Hendrix made two free throws. With 11:06 left in the first half, Jasmine Settles (Jr., Memphis, Tenn.) knocked down a 3-pointer as HSU extended their lead by double-digits, 18-6.

The defense continued to pressure Hendrix, holding the Warriors to single digits until 8:32 left in the half.

The offense also continued to dominate as Henderson State showed their speed and strength as the Reddies exercised all resources to push to a 20-point lead, 33-13.

By halftime, all nine Lady Reddies who entered the game had scored and added at least one rebound. HSU had 33 total rebounds, 18 coming off the offensive end.

Keener was 6-of-10 on the floor, leading all scorers with 14 points. Tiara Davis (So., Longview, Texas) was the leader on the boards in the first half nine rebounds.

Henderson State continued to show no mercy in the second half. Outscoring Hendrix, 38-27, HSU also remained strong on the boards, recording 27 rebounds. Sledge put up 12 points, six coming from behind the arc.

Nearing four minutes in the second half, Sledge utilized a fast break opportunity to lay one in for a 31 point lead, 54-23.

The Reddies almost walked away with a 40-point victory but a the Warriors scored four points with 1:40 left to only make it a 36 margin of victory.

HSU's next action will be on Thursday as the Lady Reddies will challenge Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kan. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.

For the latest HSU news and results, be sure to visit www.HSUSports.com.