WKU Women’s Basketball secured an 84-61 win over Lindsey Wilson College in its tune-up exhibition game on Tuesday night, ringing in the 2022-23 season. 

“We were just ready to play another team and people that we don’t see everyday,” freshman guard Acacia Hayes said. “I just like to be out there playing, I like to have fun and I like to win.”

The Murfreesboro native led the Lady Toppers in points with 22. Sophomore guard Macey Blevins was close behind with 19 points.

“We learned a lot last year, and it’s really good to be able to carry that over into this year and help the newcomers and be leaders,” Blevins said. 

WKU held the Blue Raiders to a single-digit score at the end of the first quarter, finishing it 16-9.

The Lady Toppers opened the second quarter with urgency and went on a 14-5 run. Hayes scored her 10th point of the game to put the red and white ahead 30-14. Efforts by Blevins and junior guard Hope Sivori allowed WKU to close the first half with a 42-24 advantage.

Lindsey Wilson came out of the half with a newfound urgency, scoring seven points in a row to decrease the gap 42-31.

Freshman Lady Topper Karris Allen entered the game during the third quarter and scored four back-to-back points with a layup and two free throws. Blevins scored her 19th point in the game with a free throw to finish the third quarter up 67-43. 

Junior forward Odeth Betancourt opened the fourth quarter with a jumper and free throw to grow the  Lady Toppers’ lead. Efforts by Allen and Hayes allowed the home team to maintain its 20+ point lead and end the game 84-61. 

“I’m proud of all the young ladies and how we played,” head coach Greg Collins said. “I’m proud of our efforts. I know we have room to grow and improve, but you can tell there’s a lot of enthusiasm out there, a lot of passion, and a lot of potential, so we’ve just got to keep working at it.” 

Collins and company will return to Diddle Arena on Monday, Nov. 7 to host Power Five opponent Vanderbilt to officially begin regular season play.

Sports reporter Piper McCoun can be reached at [email protected].