FULTON, Mo. - Andrea Zalis scored her 1,000th career point in the Blue Jay loss to William Woods, 73-61.
The Blue Jays fall to 0-4 while the Owls improve to 4-3.
"I'm really proud and happy for Andrea Zalis," said Westminster Head Coach Tracey Braden. "She's a great basketball player, but a lot of people don't see the hours she's put in to her game in the early mornings and late nights. She has earned every bit of her 1,000 points."
William Woods got off to a fast start thanks to good shooting from the Owls. A 14-0 run spurred by four straight three-pointers and layup gave William Woods an early advantage.
"The way the game started, we could have laid down and died, but we didn't," said Braden. "We're not where we want to be, or even where we should be, but I do believe that with each game we are making small strides."
Mirrakohl Johnson put the Blue Jays on the board at the 6:21 mark of the first quarter, and Westminster started chipping away.
"MJ (Johnson) really stepped up and there are so many good things ahead of her," said Braden."She's physical and strong, she's confident. She responded immediately when I asked her to do something offensively."
Westminster ended the quarter behind 27-12. Strong post play from Ali Perry and Johnson pulled the Blue Jays back into the game in the second quarter, with eight straight points from the pair of forwards.
The teams went into the half with a 49-30 score in favor of the Owls.
A layup from Johnson and a three-pointer from Payton Beeler put the Blue Jays right back in the hunt to start the half. Another four points came from Brooke Stauffer in the third quarter, but Westminster still went into the fourth quarter down 20 off of hot shooting from William Woods.
The Blue Jays went on the outscore William Woods 14-6 in the fourth quarter to cut significantly into the lead. Five straight points from Savannah Hanning, Johnson, and Juli Hix opened the quarter for Westminster. A jump shot from Beeler to end the game put the Blue Jays with a 73-61 loss.
Johnson and Zalis had 14 points apiece to lead Westminster. Johnson posted seven rebounds and Zalis led the team in assists with four.
"This group is not afraid to work and they have great attitudes," said Braden. "I'm super excited to be in the gym with them everyday."
Westminster goes on the road for the Rhodes Classic Saturday, Nov. 26 against Rhodes at 6 p.m.
