The Idaho women’s basketball team kick-started the season with an 83-45 win against Multnomah Saturday in the Memorial Gym.
Idaho held the Lions to 20 percent shooting from the field and capitalized on 20 turnovers.
Idaho head coach Jon Newlee said he enjoys the start of a new season.
“It is always good to get out, put the uniforms on and play somebody different,” Newlee said. “I thought it was good to get some of those first-game jitters out for our freshmen and some of our returners who have been out for a while. I liked our effort, particularly that third quarter.”
Sophomore guard Mikayla Ferenz finished with 15 points, followed by sophomore guard Taylor Pierce with 14. Senior guard Agueda Trujillo contributed 11 points.
Freshman guards Cherita Daugherty, Daylee Hanson and Jenae Lewallen all saw their first minutes as Vandals. Hanson fouled out in the second half.
Newlee said he was pleased with the all-around contributions from his team.
“I thought it was a team effort,” Newlee said. “I can’t really single one person out. I think with everybody getting their minutes, I really liked how we shared the basketball today.”
Newlee said the team needs to improve defensively.
“We need to work on our defense and rebounding wise I would like to see us do a better job of getting on the glass,” he said.
Idaho shot 31.7 percent from the field and finished 18-of-20 from the line. The Vandals grabbed 18 assists on 26 made baskets.
Idaho starts the regular season against Seattle U 5 p.m. Friday in Seattle. The Vandals won’t play a home game until Dec. 17.
Meredith Spelbring can be reached at [email protected]