LIBERTY, Mo. - The William Jewell women's basketball team overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Avila University 67-52 on Friday night in the 2024-2025 season opener.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Jewell came out strong, holding a lead through majority of the first quarter. Three free throws from Bree Shannon and Paris Opelt to close the frame gave the Cards a 13-10 advantage after 10 minutes.
• Avila used a 16-7 run in the second quarter to go in front by as many as six late in the half. A turnover led to a Morgan Ives layup to make it 26-22, in favor of the Eagles, at the break. 
• A fast break layup from Cailtlin Behling kick started a big Jewell run to open the second half, as the Cardinals went from down four to up eight after a bucket by Asa Fanning. Avila cut the lead back down to two late in the third period before back-to-back triples from Karlee Holland and Ayden Shannon pushed the lead to double digits. 
• A traditional three-point play by Kate Hillyer gave the Cardinals their biggest lead of the day at 17 with five to play and the Jewell bench kept the Eagles at bay over the final minutes. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Jewell forced 19 turnovers that to 24 fast break points while shooting nearly 38% from the floor. 
• The Cardinals got to the free throw line 25 times, converting 17. 
• Shannon led the Cardinals with 16 points and four assists while Hillyer had a team high six rebounds. 

UP NEXT
Jewell hits the road for the first time this season on Wednesday with a trip to Newman University for a 5:30 p.m. tip off.