(Kent, OH) - In the season opener coming off a MAC Tournament championship and berth into the Big Dance last spring, coach Todd Starkey and the Lady Flashes looked to get off on the right foot as they welcomed James Madison to the MAC Center as part of the MACxSBC Challenge. The Challenge pits teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Mid American Conference against each other to kick-off their respected seasons on the hardwood in both Men's and Women's basketball.
Tatiana Thomas (1) drives to the hoop in the 1st quarter.
Kent State returns a large majority of their roster that went dancing last March, with the biggest loss being guard Katie Schumate. The Flashes feature pre-season 1st team All-MAC selection Jenna Batsch and returning starter Bridget Dunn in the post. The Flashes were picked to finish 2nd in the MAC this season in pre-season polling.
As for the season opener, it was a rough start for the Flashes, as James Madison entered ranked 13th in the Mid-Major Top 25. Coach Starkey's squad entered the night 16th in the same poll. The Dukes built a quick 5-0 lead before Oklahoma transfer Kaley Perkins scored 4 and Batsch added 2 to give the Flashes a 6-5 lead. The lead would be short lived, with the Dukes going to the line and Roshala Scott sinking all 3 of her free throws 23 seconds after Perkins lay in for the lead.
Guard Kaley Perkins brings the ball into the forecourt in the 1st half.
The Dukes would lead 18-14 after 1 quarter of play and head to the half with a 31-23 advantage. Leading the way at the half for the Dukes was Jamia Hazell with 12 points. The Flashes were paced by Riley Rismiller with 8. The Dukes held a 24-19 edge on the boards at the half.
Riley Rismiller (30) looks to pass the ball into the post to Tatiana Thomas.
James Madison would build a 41-29 lead at the 4:45 mark in the 3rd before the Flashes would end the frame on a 14-8 run to cut the Dukes advantage to 49-43.
The Flashes wouldn't go quietly in the 4th, keeping the Dukes advantage within 7 for much of the first 5 minutes of the frame. At the 5 minute mark, guard Roshala Scott would cash in on a layup to build the advantage to 9. The Flashes fight ultimately came up short, falling 67-56.
Roshala Scott drives the lane in the 2nd half.
Leading scorers on the night were Riley Rismiller with 20 for the Flashes and Roshala Scott with 19 for the Dukes. The Flashes return to action Thursday night as they welcome the Walsh Cavaliers.
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