The Xavier women’s basketball team opened up the season with its first exhibition game against the University of Indianapolis.
The Musketeers were able to win the game with a score of 61-57. Junior guard Shatyra Hawkes was the leader in points and assists for the Musketeers. Hawkes was able to dish six assists and put up 17 points in 30 minutes of playing time.
Hawkes had the highest shooting percentage, making seven of her 11 attempted shots.
Freshman guard Jenna Crittendon put in the most minutes during the game with 31 minutes of playing time.
Redshirt sophomore forward Lakeisha Crouch was one rebound away from a double-double. She brought in nine rebounds and scored 10 points in the contest. Crouch was also able to create six steals which made her the leader in steals for the Musketeers.
The Musketeers were able to execute on their free throws making this a crucial reason they were able to win the game.
Xavier was 12 for 16 from the free throw line while Indianapolis was 6-13.
Indianapolis shot 32 percent from the floor and 33 percent from three point range while the Musketeers shot 46 percent and 42 percent from behind the arch.
Defense was the name of the game for Xavier during the matchup as they created 17 turnovers and only allowed the Greyhounds to take the ball away from them five times throughout the game.
“We need to finish better and take care of the ball, but at the same time I’m pleased. Defensively I thought we did a very good job once we got back and got our defense set,” head coach Amy Waugh said.
Xavier played the Greyhounds steadily throughout the game.
At the end of the first half Xavier was up 31 to 24 and then kept that pace thanks to Crouch’s surge of steals at the beginning of the second half.
The Musketeers will look to use the energy off of this exhibition game going into their first regular season game against Bucknell on Nov. 10.
They then move on to play Michigan at home on Nov. 12
Tuesday, June 24, 2025