Millikin University’s women’s basketball team opened its home schedule against MacMurray College at Griswold center with a 68-43 victory.

The Big Blue got an early lead, jumping out to a 16-2 first quarter lead. Millikin led the entire game, raising its record to 2-0.
Senior Alyssa Saklak led the way with 22 points and 14 rebounds in just 22 minutes. Senior Kelly Skorczewski, added 9 points and 5 rebounds in 17 minutes. Emma Hoyer also added to the scoreboard with 8 points, 4 rebounds and also 4 steals.
“I think for our first home game, of course we had some jitters, especially some of the younger girls, but I think overall we came together and kind of got it done,” Saklak said. “As you can see we are really pushing up the court and transitioning.

“MacMurray was really zone oriented and they kept trying to slow us down and it was very frustrating for us at first, but we pulled it together and dominated on the board.”

Coach Lori Kerans was pleased with the team’s early season effort.

“I feel like we made some progress and there’s plenty of opportunity to improve so we are looking forward to getting back in the gym on Thursday to practice and get a little better,” Kerans said.

Kerans was happy with the seniors and wants the team to lean on the seniors’ leadership.

“I am very proud and excited to be coaching this team,” Kerans said.

Kerans has high hopes for this team and those hopes are echoed by Saklak.

“We want to make the conference tournament, but also, just to improve every game so we can do well once we get to conference play,” Saklak said.

Millikin returns to action Friday, November 20th against Westminster.