The Hawks picked up right where they left off last year, in a season where they are looking to end it where it ended last year. Today the Hawks welcomed Toledo Christian, Ohio’s #1 D4 team, into the Perry Reese Center.

It wasn’t perfect. I’m sure the coaching staff will find more missed defensive assignments, bad turnovers, and rusty shots than our untrained eyes. However, they laced the net in the opening quarter for the tune of five three’s, including a couple from Senior Kelsey Swihart.

Junior Jenna Troyer got the start in place of a resting Brynn Mullet, and knocked down her first jumper from behind the arc. Jenna tore her ACL in last years regional semifinal, and hasn’t played since that night.

The Hawks got out to a great start, holding a 21-7 lead after the first. The Hawks looked great shooting the ball but they also held Butler commit Madison Royal-Davis to just three points in the first quarter. The Hawks defense, mainly senior Morgan Yoder, held Royal-Davis to almost more airballs than points int he opening stance. That early statement on defense set the tone for the game. When all said and done Hiland held the superstar to 15 points on 33% shooting and forced her into four turnovers.

When it comes to efficiency, senior Zoe Miller had herself a day. 27 points on only 14 shot attempts, and 15 rebounds. Zoe snagged seven offensive boards, a few for cutbacks, stepped out and hit an early three, and got to the foul line consistently. Frontcourt mate, Kelsey Swihart added 15 points and 12 boards for another Hawk double double. Kyli Horn added 12 for Hiland, from all ranges. Yoder led the Hawks with seven assists and added in 7 boards.

Hiland travels to Ridgewood on Wednesday.