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03.03 / Sarah Howe Named to All-MIAA First Team

Tri-State University sophomore guard Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) has been named to the All-MIAA First Team in women’s basketball. Howe was a consistent all-around player for the Thunder throughout the year. She led the MIAA with 2.5 three-point field goals made per game and was tied for first with 8.5 rebounds per game. She was second in the league in points per game (20.9), three-point field goal percentage (.479), defensive rebounds per game (5.79), and minutes played (35.57).

Howe was fourth in the league with 3.5 assists per game and 2.21 steals per game. Howe had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.20 that was third best in the conference. She finished fifth in the MIAA in free throw percentage at .822, seventh in offensive rebounds with 2.71 per game and ninth in overall field goal percentage at .482.

The league most valuable player was Saint Mary’s Alison Kessler who led the league in scoring at 21.4 points per game. Julie Henderson from MIAA Champion Hope College was named the league’s defensive player of the year for the second consecutive season.

Marcia Harris (Calvin College), Jordyn Boles (Hope College), Philana Greene (Hope College), Brittany Kemperman (Albion College), and Kessler joined Howe on the first team. The All-MIAA Second Team consisted of Kelsea Howell (Kalamazoo College), Lindsay Lange (Hope College), Emi Guimond (Albion College), Ashley Matuzak (Alma College), Amy Brackenwagen (Olivet College), and Kim Olech (Adrian College).

02.26 / #1 Ranked Hope Ends TSU Season in Conference Tournament

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell to undefeated and #1 ranked Hope College in the opening round of the MIAA Tournament. Despite committing 15 first half turnovers, TSU was down only 10 at the break behind a 22-21 advantage on the boards.

The tides turned on the Thunder in the second half as Hope connected on 41.5% of their shots and limited the TSU offense to 23.3% shooting from the field. The Flying Dutch made a statement on the boards with a 32-16 advantage and grabbed 19 offensive.

Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) came off the bench to lead the Thunder with 14 points. Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) had a game-high nine rebounds to go along with 10 points. Jordan Loveberry (Quincy, Mich./Quincy) rounded out TSU’s double digit scorers with 10 points.

Tri-State ends the season with a 6-19 record. Hope improves to 25-0 on the year. The Flying Dutch will host Saint Mary’s on Thursday in the semi-final. Adrian will travel to #2 seeded Albion for the other semi-final.

02.25 / Balanced Attack Leads to TSU Victory

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team defeated the Kalamazoo Hornets 80-70. The Thunder led most of the first half behind superb shooting. TSU led by as many as 13 in first half and took a 42-34 lead into the break. The Thunder offense kept the pace going in the second half as the Thunder shot 55.2% from the field. The aggressive TSU defense forced 25 Kalamazoo turnovers and had 15 team steals.

TSU featured a balanced attack that included four scorers in double-digits. Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) led the way with 18 points including 7-10 shooting from the field and two three-pointers. Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) played an incredible game with 17 points, 10 rebounds, nine steals, and five assists. Dana Dunham (Angola, Ind./Angola) scored 15 points by dialing in from long range with five from behind the arc. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) was a steady performer with 13 points and five assists.

TSU improves to a 7-18 overall record. Kalamazoo ends their season with a 4-21 record. Weather permitting; the Thunder will travel to Hope College tomorrow night for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

02.23 / Albion Fends off TSU in Regular Season Finale

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team was defeated by the Albion College Britons 72-81. In their final regular season game the Thunder recognized their lone senior Dana Dunham (Angola, Ind./Angola). Dunham helped jump start the Thunder offense with two three-pointers that led to an early 8-3 lead. TSU continued to maintain a lead and held an 18-15 advantage at the halfway mark of the first half. Then Albion put together a nine point run and managed to take a four point lead into the break. In the second half the Britons began to separate themselves from the Thunder. TSU maintained an efficient offense in the second half behind 48.3% shooting from the field. The difference came as Albion shot 52% from the field and managed to knock in 22-25 from the free-throw line.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) led the Thunder with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) scored 14 points and went 6-6 from the stripe. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) tallied 13 points including 5-6 shooting from the field.

TSU finishes the regular season with a 6-18 overall record and a 3-13 MIAA record. Albion takes second place in the conference with a 20-4 overall record and a 13-3 conference record. TSU will host Kalamazoo on Monday evening for the play in game of the MIAA tournament

02.18 / Late Rally Not Enough to Catch Calvin

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team was defeated by the Calvin College Knights 55-67. The Knights got off to a fast start and led the Thunder 19-10 at the halfway mark of the first half. Calvin went into the break with a 44-24 lead behind 51.7% shooting from the field. The Thunder fought back in the second half. TSU pulled to within nine points with five minutes left in the game. The Knights stopped the Thunder momentum with a 6-0 run that sealed the victory.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) scored a game high 24 points and had six assists. Howe connected on three from behind the arc and 5-6 from the stripe. Jordan Loveberry (Quincy, Mich./Quincy) scored 11 points and brought down a Thunder high eight rebounds. Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) was also scored in double-digits with 10 points.

The TSU record is now 6-17 overall and 3-12 in the MIAA. Calvin improves their record to 15-8 overall and 11-5 in the conference. The Thunder will play their final regular season game at home this Saturday. TSU will host Albion College at 1 p.m.

02.13 / Alma Shoots Down TSU

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell to the Alma College Scots 57-74. The first half was a hard fought battle and the Thunder trailed by just three points at the break. The Scots came out strong after the intermission and shot lights out. The Thunder offense struggled to find a rhythm in the second period as Alma ran away with the victory.

Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) knocked in three from behind the arc and totaled a Thunder high 13 points. Jennifer Wall (New Haven, Ind./New Haven) scored 12 points and shot 5-8 from the field. Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) tallied 10 points and led the Thunder with seven rebounds.

The TSU record is now 6-16 overall and 3-11 in the MIAA. Alma improves their record to 9-11 overall and 6-7 in the conference. TSU will back on the court next Wednesday as they host the Calvin College Knights. Tip-off time is set for 7:30 p.m.

02.09 / TSU Offense Explodes in Second Half for Win

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team defeated the Olivet Comets 83-77. The Thunder struggled in the first half and shot just 32.3% from the field. The Comets took a double-digit lead into the half-time period. TSU came out in the second half on a mission. The Thunder knocked in eight three pointers and made good on 53.6% of their shots from the field.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) ignited the TSU offense in the second half by tallying 23 of her 25 points in the final period. Howe shot 8-14 from the field, 5-9 from three-point land, and 4-4 from the stripe. Jordan Loveberry (Quincy, Mich./Quincy) was a solid contributor in all aspects of the Thunder effort. Loveberry put in 14 points, took down nine rebounds, and had three steals. Kelly Rogers (Southwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) totaled 11 points and led the Thunder with four assists.

TSU improves their record to 6-15 overall and 3-10 in the MIAA. The Olivet Comets record drops to 8-12 overall and 6-6 in the conference. The Thunder will be back on the court Wednesday at Alma. Tip-off time is schedule for 7:30 p.m.

02.07 / TSU Women Fall to #1 Ranked Hope College

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell to the #1 ranked Hope College Flying Dutch 57-85. The Thunder kept pace with the Flying Dutch in the first half with keen execution on offense and 14 forced turnovers. TSU went into the half-time period down just four, 30-34. Hope began to take control of the game midway through the second half. The Flying Dutch shot 65.4% from the field in the second period to pull away from the Thunder.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) led the TSU effort with 12 points including two three-pointers. Jennifer Wall (New Haven, Ind./New Haven) and Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) both put in eight points for the Thunder.

The TSU record moves to 2-10 in the MIAA and 5-15 overall. Hope improves to 11-0 in the conference and 19-0 overall. The Thunder will travel to Olivet College on Saturday for their next contest. The game is set to start at 3 p.m.

02.02 / TSU Offense Struggles in Loss to Calvin

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell to the Calvin College Knights 50-64. The Knights began to take control of the game at the end of the first half as they built a 15 point lead behind 45.2% shooting from the field. The Thunder offense struggled to get things going as they connected on just 36.5% of their shots from the field.

Liz Gehrig (Marshall, Mich./Marshall) led the Thunder effort with 15 points and three steals. Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) scored 10 points and had nine rebounds for the Thunder.

The TSU record is now 5-14 overall and 2-9 in the MIAA. Calvin improves their record to 12-7 overall and 8-4 in the conference. The Thunder will host league leading Hope College on Wednesday. The game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

01.30 / Bulldogs Scrap to Victory over Thunder

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell to the Adrian College Bulldogs 73-79. The Thunder jumped out to an early 15-4 lead but the Bulldogs battled back to take a one point lead into the half-time period. The second half remained close throughout but the difference came as the Adrian defense held TSU to just 34.5% shooting.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) scored a career high in points with 31. Howe managed a double-double as she took down 10 rebounds. Kristin Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) poured in 20 points including 8-14 shooting from the field.

The TSU record falls to 5-13 overall and 2-7 in the MIAA. The Adrian record improves to 6-11 overall and 4-6 in the conference. The Thunder will return to action on Saturday as they travel to Calvin College for a 3 p.m. start.

01.26 / Britons Pull Away Late to Defeat the Thunder

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell to the Albion Britons 58-74. TSU came out of the gate strong and took an early lead. The Britons fought back and took control of the game and led at the half 32-23. The Thunder battled back to within two points of the Britons in the second half but that was as close as they would get. TSU was out-rebounded by Albion 31-51. The Thunder went cold from the three-point line connecting on just two of their 13 attempts.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) had a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) led all scorers with 19 points on 9-14 shooting from the field.

The Thunder record is now 2-7 in the MIAA and 5-12 overall. Albion improves to 7-3 in the conference and 14-4 overall record. TSU will host Adrian College on Wednesday. The tip-off time is set for 7:30 p.m.

01.23 / Thunder Take Control Late for Win

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team defeated the Kalamazoo Hornets 78-66. The two teams battled back in forth until the final 10 minutes of the game as the Thunder took control. Tri-State went on an eight point run to take a 60-49 lead with 7:28 minutes left on the clock. The Thunder maintained a comfortable lead as they closed out the Hornets. TSU had just seven turnovers during the game and forced Kalamazoo to turn the ball over 19 times. The Thunder defense held Kalamazoo to 31.9% shooting from the field.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) led the Thunder charge with 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) went an impressive 7-13 from the field, 6-6 from the free-throw line, and tallied 20 points for TSU. Jennifer Wall (New Haven, Ind./New Haven) sparked the Thunder effort with her eight points, four assists, and five steals.

The TSU record moves to 5-11 overall and 2-6 in MIAA play. Kalamazoo falls to 4-12 overall and 1-7 in the conference. The Thunder head back on the court Saturday at Albion. The game will start at 3 p.m.

01.19 / Women’s Basketball Can’t Hold On To Lead Against Saint Mary’s

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team held a 36-32 lead at halftime but could not hold on as Saint Mary’s outscored the Thunder 42-35 in the second half for a 74-71 victory. The Belles held an advantage from the free throw line as they went 18-22 and the Thunder converted 50% of their attempts at eight for 16. Saint Mary’s also controlled the glass with a 50-35 advantage, including 18 offensive.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) continues to lead the Thunder with 20 points, four assists, and three steals. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) was perfect from the field with a 9-9 performance and finished with 19 points, four, assists, and six rebounds. Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) added double digits in scoring with 11 points. Jordan Loveberry (Quincy, Mich./Quincy) led the Thunder with eight rebounds.

TSU drops their season record to 4-11 overall and 1-6 in the MIAA. Saint Mary’s improves to 8-7 on the season and 4-3 in conference play. The Thunder will return to Hershey Hall on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to take on Kalamazoo College. The Hornets took a 74-72 victory in their previous meeting this season.

01.12 / Thunder Women Outplay the Scots in Conference Victory

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team defeated the Alma College Scots 61-48. The Thunder jumped out to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. On the game, TSU held a 38-29 rebound advantage over Alma and forced 23 Alma turnovers including 11 team steals.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) paced the Thunder with a double-double. Howe scored 17 points with 6-6 shooting from the free-throw line, took down 10 rebounds, and had four steals. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) went 8-14 from the field and totaled 16 points. Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) scored in double figures with 12 points.

TSU improves to a record of 4-10 overall and 1-5 in the MIAA. Alma drops to 3-8 overall and 1-4 in the conference. The Thunder will be back on the court Saturday January 19th at Saint Mary’s College. The game is set to start at 3 p.m.

01.09 / TSU Women Suffer Heartbreak Loss to Olivet

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell in heartbreak fashion to the Olivet College Comets 69-70. The Thunder started the game on a 10-2 run. TSU never trailed until the Comets took the lead with just over one minute remaining in the game. With just seconds remaining Olivet made good on a basket from the post to defeat TSU. The Thunder defense forced 27 Olivet turnovers including 15 steals.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) had a TSU game high with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) went 6-10 from the field and totaled 14 points. Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) connected on two three-pointers and tallied 13 points to the Thunder effort.

The TSU record is now 3-10 overall and 0-5 in the MIAA. Olivet improves to an overall record of 4-7 and 3-1 in the conference. The Thunder will be back in action on Saturday against Alma College at 1 p.m.

01.05 / #1 Ranked Hope Too Much For TSU to Handle

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team returned to MIAA action and fell to Hope College 81-58. Hope currently holds the #1 ranking in the nation according to the USA Today ESPN poll and the D3hoops.com ranking.

The Thunder battled with the Flying Dutch in the first half and trailed 38-29 at the break behind a 25-22 advantage on the boards and limiting Hope to 2-12 shooting from behind the arc.

TSU cut the lead to six at the 17:21 mark in the second half after six consecutive points from Jennifer Wall (New Haven, Ind./New Haven) but could not get any closer. Over the next 5½ minutes Hope scored 12 unanswered points to take control of the game.

Wall led the Thunder with 12 points and three steals. Jordan Loveberry (Quincy, Mich./Quincy) had a game-high 11 rebounds to go with four assists and two steals. Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) was 2-3 from behind the three point line and finished with nine points. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) and Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) chipped in with eight points apiece.

TSU falls to 3-9 overall and 0-4 in conference play. Hope remains undefeated at 11-0 and 3-0 in the MIAA. TSU returns to Hershey Hall on Wednesday against Olivet College at 7:30 p.m.

01.02 / TSU Women’s Basketball Falls to Defiance College

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team dropped a non-conference game to Defiance College 92-80. Defiance overcame 32 turnovers by shooting 54.2% from the field and dominating on the boards with a 58-27 advantage.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) three TSU players in double figures with 18 points and team highs of six rebounds and four assists. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) and Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) added 14 points apiece. Jennifer Wall (New Haven, Ind./New Haven) produced a complete game for the Thunder with six points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists.

Tri-State is now 3-8 overall on the season. Defiance evens their record at 5-5 on the season. TSU will return to MIAA action on Saturday when they travel to Hope College.

12.18 / Chapman Defeats TSU with Great Three-Point Shooting

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell to the Chapman University Panthers 68-85. In a fast paced game both teams shot extremely well. The Panthers shot 46.8% from the field and went 10-21 from behind the three-point line. The Thunder took 13 less shots than the Panthers but made good on 49% from the field. The difference came on the boards. Tri-State was out-rebounded by Chapman 25-39. The Thunder allowed too many second chance opportunities as the Panthers brought down 17 offensive rebounds.

TSU had four scorers in double-digits. Kara Graham (Climax, Mich./Climax-Scotts) had a Thunder high 14 points and three steals. Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) made good on 5-7 from the field and 2-2 from behind the arc for a total of 12 points and dished out six assists. Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) put in 11 points for the Thunder including 5-6 shooting from the free-throw line. Ashley McClendon (Anderson, Ind./Anderson) made good on her opportunities from the field and tallied 10 points for TSU.

The TSU record is now 3-7. Chapman University improves to a 10-2 record. This concludes the winter trip to California. The Thunder will be back in action at Defiance College on Wednesday January 2nd. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.

12.17 / Missed Opportunities in Second Half Leads to TSU Loss

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team lost to the University of La Verne Leopards 53-66. The Thunder started the game slow. TSU trailed 12-19 half-way through the first half. The Leopards maintained a lead in the first half until Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind/Angola) knocked in a jump shot with less than three minutes left in the first half. The Thunder built upon their lead in the remaining two minutes and took a 31-26 lead into the break. La Verne came out strong in the second half. The Leopards connected on 43.8% of their shots from the field and went 9-11 from the free-throw line in the second half. The Thunder shot just 30% from the field and went 2-13 from behind the arc in the second half.

Kristen Julian put up a double-double for the Thunder. Julian scored 13 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, and had four assists for TSU. Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) totaled a TSU high of 15 points including three three-pointers.

The TSU women’s basketball team falls to a record of 3-6. ULV improves their record to 4-2. Tri-State continues action in California tomorrow night against Chapman University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

12.08 / Saint Mary's Picks up Conference Victory over TSU

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team lost to the Saint Mary’s College Belles 68-82. The Belles began to pull away from the Thunder with five minutes left in the first half. The Thunder trailed 32-44 at the half-way mark. Tri-State battled back in the second half. With just over six minutes remaining in the game the Thunder cut the lead to three points on a bucket by Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central). The Belles responded with a 15-6 run to close out the Thunder in the remaining minutes.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) paced the Thunder with a double-double. Howe scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds on the game. Rachel Grove connected on three three-pointers and tallied 15 points on the afternoon.

TSU falls to 3-5 overall and 0-3 in the MIAA. The Belles are now 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference. The Thunder will travel to California next weekend and will resume action on Monday, December 17th. TSU will be hosted by the University of LaVerne.

12.05 / Poor Shooting Strikes Down TSU in Loss to Adrian

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team suffered a 90-53 MIAA loss to Adrian College. The Bulldogs took advantage of a hot shooting night by knocking down 52.7% of their shots. TSU was limited to 23.8% shooting on the evening, including a 2-17 performance from behind the arc.

Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) produced season highs with 18 points and eight rebounds, including six offensive. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) was the only other TSU player in double figures with 13 points. Julian also pulled down six rebounds.

TSU falls to 0-2 in the MIAA and 3-4 overall on the season. Adrian College improves to 1-1 in conference play and 2-4 overall. TSU will return to Hershey Hall on Saturday to take on the Belles of Saint Mary’s College at 3 p.m.

12.01 / TSU Women’s Basketball Fall in Conference Opener

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team fell short to the Kalamazoo College Hornets 72-74. The first half was a shoot-out as the Hornets took a 47-40 lead into the halftime period. The Thunder rallied back in the second half behind a strong defensive effort. The difference came at the free-throw line and on the boards. The Hornets had 23 free-throw attempts compared to 10 for the Thunder. Kalamazoo out-rebounded TSU 45-35.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) earned a double-double with a game high 30 points and 13 rebounds. Howe connected on 4-7 from behind the arc. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) went 4-4 from the free-throw line and totaled 10 points in the game for the Thunder. Laura Hoeppner (Woodburn, Ind./Woodlan) contributed nine points and was also perfect from the free-throw line on 3-3 shooting.

The TSU women’s basketball team is now 3-3 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA conference. Kalamazoo improves to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference. The Thunder will travel to Adrian College on Wednesday. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.

11.28 / Bluffton Defeats TSU in 2OT Thriller

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 81-80 double overtime loss at Bluffton University. TSU trailed 64-61 with nine seconds remaining in regulation before Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) drilled a three as time expired to send the game into overtime.

Bluffton jumped out to a three point lead in the first overtime before the Thunder scored back-to-back buckets to take a one point lead. The Beavers went 1-2 at the free throw line to tie the game at 70 with 50 seconds remaining. TSU missed a three on their ensuing possession but Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) grabbed the offensive board to give the Thunder another chance. TSU missed their lay-up attempt but forced a Bluffton turnover to regain possession with 24 seconds left. A steal by Bluffton set up a last second attempt that was stolen by TSU.

The Beavers scored first in the second overtime period to take a 72-70 lead that they would never relinquish. TSU trailed by four points on four occasions but continued to battle back. Liz Gehrig (Marshall, Mich./Marshall) connected on a three pointer with 40 seconds remaining to pull the Thunder within one point. The TSU defense forced a missed Bluffton lay-up but surrendered the offensive rebound. A Bluffton turnover gave TSU one more shot with eight seconds remaining. Rogers’ full court drive was denied to give Bluffton the 81-80 victory.

Rogers produced a season-high 25 points to lead the Thunder. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) played a strong game for the Thunder with 17 points and nine rebounds. Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) contributed with 13 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, three assists, and three steals. Kara Graham (Climax, Mich./Climax-Scotts) came off the bench to add nine points, four rebounds, and three steals.

TSU drops their season record to 3-2 overall. Bluffton improves to 3-2 on the season. TSU will open MIAA play on Saturday when they travel to Kalamazoo to take on the Hornets. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

11.24 / TSU Women’s Basketball Stave off the Ravens for Victory

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team defeated the Anderson University Ravens 61-57. The Thunder started the game with a 14 point run and the Ravens responded with a 14 point run of their own. With a little over eight minutes left in the first half, the score was locked at 14-14. It became a defensive battle and both teams struggled from the field, as the Thunder took a 24-22 lead at the end of the first half. The score was close throughout the second half, until Tri-State went on an eight point run with a little over four minutes to go in the game. The Thunder held off the Ravens in the remaining minutes with some great free-throw shooting. Tri-State connected on 19 of their 21 free-throw attempts in the second half.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) led the Thunder with a game high 23 points. Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) and Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) scored in double-digits for Tri-State with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Grove went perfect from the free-throw line on 6-6 shooting. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) controlled the boards for the Thunder with eight rebounds. Also, Julian contributed to the success at the line with 4-4 shooting.

Tri-State improves to 3-1 on the season. Anderson’s record is now 2-2. The Thunder will travel to Bluffton University on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

11.20 / Tri-State Women’s Basketball Defeated by Manchester

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team was defeated by the Manchester Spartans 56-66. The Thunder out scored the Spartans in the second half 40 to 30, but could not overcome a 20 point half time deficit. Tri-State shot just 23.3% from the field in the first half. The second half was a different story as the Thunder shot 45.7% from the field and connected on four of their eight three point attempts. The Thunder defense forced 12 Spartan turnovers in the second half.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) led the Thunder with 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) scored in double-digits for the Thunder with 10 points and went 4 for 5 from the field.

The Thunder record is now 2-1. Manchester improves their record to 2-1. Tri-State will be back in action on Saturday as they host Anderson University. The game will start at 3 p.m.

11.17 / TSU Women’s Basketball Starts Season 2-0 at Rose-Hulman Tip-Off Classic

The Tri-State University women’s basketball team started the 2007-08 season with two wins at the Rose-Hulman Tip-off Classic. The Thunder defeated Rose-Hulman 72-52 on Friday and took a 74-59 victory over Franklin on Saturday.

The Thunder defense made a statement in the first half against Rose-Hulman by forcing the Engineers into 17.9% shooting from the field on their way to a 35-17 halftime lead. For the game, TSU converted 18 Rose-Hulman turnovers into 26 points.

Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe) led the Thunder with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Howe also produced five assists and three steals. Kristen Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) had a double digit effort on the boards with 10.

Julie Swisher (Lowell, Ind./Lowell) led the Thunder in scoring with 14 points on 5-9 shooting from the field and 4-6 from behind the three-point line. Rachel Grove (Parker City, Ind./Monroe Central) and Kelly Rogers (South Rockwood, Mich./Carleton Airport) led the balanced scoring attack with 12 and 10 points respectively.

TSU forced Franklin into 33 turnovers to overcome a 42-29 rebounding deficit. The Thunder held a big advantage at the free throw line as they connected on 23 of 31 attempts. Franklin went 11-14 from the line.

Howe led the Thunder with 21 points, including a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line, seven rebounds, and six steals. Liz Gehrig (Marshall, Mich./Marshall) contributed with a career-high 17 points off the bench for TSU. Julian and Rogers rounded out the double-figure scores with 12 points apiece.

The Thunder will host Manchester College on Tuesday in their home-opener at Hershey Hall. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

MIAA Kicks Off Basketball Season with Pre-Season Polls

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced their pre-season men’s and women’s basketball polls. On the men’s side, defending league champion Hope College took the top spot and captured five first-place votes. Calvin College, who knocked off top-seeded Hope in the conference tournament last season, was second and received three first place votes. Tri-State was voted third.

TSU returns first-team all-MIAA performer Tony Benford, along with eight letterwinners, from last year’s 16-10 team. The Thunder will look to improve upon last season’s third place finish in the MIAA.

For the women, defending MIAA tournament champion Hope College was voted first with six first-place votes. Calvin College was second with three first-place votes, followed by Albion College. Saint Mary’s College rounds out the top four spots.

The Thunder will build upon experience gained by the underclassmen last season. TSU returns 10 letterwinners that finished the 2006-07 season at 6-19 overall and seventh in the MIAA.

MIAA Women’s Basketball Pre-Season Poll