MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in impressive fashion Tuesday night, earning an 85-55 victory over Clarke College on November 3.
The Leathernecks got their first points of the season at the free-throw line, with Maria Messling knocking down the opening shot. The first quarter remained competitive, with neither team able to create much separation. Western Illinois held a 14-11 advantage at one point before Clarke closed the quarter with a 16-13 lead.
Western Illinois found its rhythm in the second quarter. A 7-0 run gave the Leathernecks a 23-15 advantage before Clarke responded with a five-point run. Western closed the half strong, putting together a 10-0 run to take a 35-23 lead into the break.
The Leathernecks took control in the second half, outscoring Clarke 50-32. Western Illinois used a strong defensive effort in the third quarter, holding Clarke to 11 points while extending its lead with a 21-11 period. The Leathernecks continued their offensive production in the fourth, shooting 5-for-10 from beyond the arc to help secure the 30-point victory.
Six Leathernecks finished in double figures, led by Kaylen Reed with 16 points. Reed also delivered an outstanding all-around performance, finishing just shy of a triple-double with nine assists and eight rebounds. She added two steals and a block, showcasing her impact on both ends of the floor while leading the team in assists.
Shelby Bowman followed with 14 points, providing another scoring presence for the Leathernecks. Madison Davis and Maria Messling each contributed 12 points, with Messling also making her mark in the season opener by scoring Western Illinois' first points of the year.
Mylee Stiefel added 11 points in her Leatherneck debut, while Mia Nicastro rounded out the six players in double figures with 10 points. Nicastro also led Western Illinois on the glass, collecting nine rebounds to finish with a team-high in that category.
Western Illinois returns to action Friday, November 7, traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska, for a matchup against Nebraska.
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