MACOMB, Ill. - Able to play in front of fans for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign, Western Illinois women's basketball brought the energy in its first exhibition of the season. Hosting the Columbia College Cougars, Western benefited from a fast start to finish on a comfortable victory, 90-56.

"Our entire team was excited and very anxious before the game began," said Evan Zars. "We all have big goals this year but will have to put it to the test to see how it all comes together. I was proud of everybody's effort -- there are always some things we can fix, but it was a pretty good start overall."

Remarkable 6-6 shooting from three-point land had Western leading 30-11 after the first 10 minutes, and the Leathernecks grew its lead to 55-27 by the time halftime arrived. Columbia tried to make something happen with a 10-2 run to begin the third quarter, but WIU regrouped to steady its attack through the final two frames of play.

Four Leathernecks finished in double-figures in points, with Zars leading the way (17). The senior forward came up just short of a double-double -- adding nine boards. Elizabeth Lutz (11), Samantha Pryor (11), and Danni Nichols (10) rounded out the scoring quartet. Pryor was a perfect 4-4 from the field.

Mallory McDermott went 3-4 from distance for nine points. Addaya Moore provided a spark with seven points and five rebounds in her first Western showing, while fellow newcomer Jada Thorpe contributed five points and four assists.

"We had a couple of lulls, but I was excited about some of the things we were able to show," said WIU head coach JD Gravina. "I thought we rebounded and defended well. We were a little jumpy at times, but I thought each player embraced her opportunity. That is always satisfying to see, as a coach."

A final home exhibition versus Illinois-Springfield (Nov. 8) is up next for WIU.