WKU women’s basketball started their season off right Monday with a 71-59 road win over the Indiana State Sycamores. 

In her first game as a Lady Topper, junior transfer Zsofia Telegdy led the way scoring 25 points on 12-20 shooting from the field. 

Sophomore Mackenzie Chatfield was a huge help offensively as well, tallying 19 points for the Lady Toppers. 

WKU shot 48% from the field and 40% from three.

FIRST HALF

It was a slow start for the Lady Toppers, falling behind early and never taking the lead, as Indiana State led 22-17 at the end of the first quarter. Telegdy led the way with six points, and guard Josie Gilvin took over, leading the team in assists and rebounds.

The second quarter was a return to form, outscoring the Sycamores 20-15. WKU had a four-point lead with under a minute left, but Indiana State hit two straight shots to end the quarter and tied it at 37 headed into halftime. 

SECOND HALF

The Lady Toppers came out strong to start the second half, building a nine-point lead and only surrendering 11 total points. At the end of the quarter, the Lady Toppers led 57-48. 

The fourth quarter was defined by the defense, as the teams scored only 25 combined points. WKU held on through timely shots by Gilvin and Telegdy, and by again surrendering only 11 points. The Lady Toppers took the win 71-59 to start the season 1-0. 

The Lady Toppers will be back in action this Saturday at Diddle Arena as they take on the Kentucky State Thorobreds. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. 

Sports Reporter Austin Rice can be reached at [email protected].