ONLINE EXCLUSIVE STORY BY ADAM ROGAN
Women’s Basketball
Led by Lizzy Wendell’s 22 points, the Bulldogs started their preseason with a 96-46 victory over crosstown rival Grand View at the Knapp Center last Tuesday. The youthful Bulldogs saw significant playing time for everyone on the team, no player logging less than 18 minutes on the court. Freshman Nicole Miller, who won the Miss Iowa Basketball last year as a senior in high school, scored 15 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc. Freshman forward Sara Rhine also scored 14 points. She showed a strong post presence, something that will prove crucial this season since sophomore Becca Jonas had season-ending knee surgery.
Drake again dominated in their second exhibition match against Simpson, 94-61. The Bulldogs’ highest point was their dominance in transition and on the fast break. They forced 22 turnovers, translating into 32 points, and outscored Simpson 20-4 on fastbreak points. Wendell again led with 33 points. She was followed by Rhine with 24 points and seven rebounds. Junior guard Caitlin Ingle also contributed a game-high 10 assists.
Men’s Basketball
In their first and only exhibition match, the Men’s Basketball team defeated McKendree at the Knapp Center, 95-78. Forward Kale Abrahamson led the way, scoring 22 points, 15 of which came from 3-pointers, and pulling down six rebounds. Sophomore guards Reed Timmer and Graham Woodward followed up with 16 and 18 points, respectively. Woodward shot 4-5 from beyond the arc and also contributed eight assists. Their season will begin on Friday at home against Simpson.
Volleyball
The Bulldogs dropped two matches last week, falling 1-3 to Wichita State and 0-3 to Missouri State in their final road matches of 2015. Wichita State is currently the best team in the MVC and so the Bulldogs being able to even force a fourth set on the road was viewed as a success by the team.
The Bulldogs struggled away from Des Moines this season. Their record was 3-6 against conference opponents on the road. They will play again this Saturday night at the Knapp Center against UNI. The last time these two teams met Drake was swept 0-3 in Ames.
Rowing
The Rowing team outraced Creighton in a duel meet on Saturday. With times of 5:50.6 and 6:04.3 for the 8+ Boats, the Bulldogs impressed on the Des Moines River. The 4+ boat logged a time of 7:47, but were defeated by Creighton. There were two exhibition races as well, of which Drake won one and lost one.
