Select Page

by Anthony Sizemore, Student Sportswriter

Ariel Nickell was back in an ALC blowout.

The Alice Lloyd Lady Eagles returned home to the Grady Nutt Athletic Center to battle the IU Southeast Lady Grenadiers on Saturday. ALC steamrolled their conference rivals from up north, 83-59.

After a tough three-game losing streak on the road, the women were eager to get back to their winning ways. With Ariel Nickell restored to the starting lineup, ALC took the early lead and never looked back in this one. The Lady Eagles mounted a ten-point advantage at 12-2 approximately five minutes into the game. ALC made more runs throughout the half as they would take a commanding 43-22 lead into halftime.

In the second half, it was more of the same as the Lady Eagles (15-10, 8-5 KIAC) were relentless in extending their lead. Coach John Mills took the opportunity to empty his bench and gave every player some playing time. Alice Lloyd led by as many as thirty-one before settling for the 24-point victory.

The Lady Eagles’ Ariel Nickell made a thunderous return to the court, racking up 39 points and 21 rebounds. Carla Booth had 26 points to go along with 5 assists. The win helped the team make a huge statement in KIAC play at this juncture of this season and heralded their return to the conference’s Top 3.

Heather Wheat, the reigning KIAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, led IU Southeast (12-10, 4-6 KIAC) with 25 points.

The Lady Eagles will look to avenge a costly loss to Asbury University when they meet them again on February 7th.  This game will be the first of a double-header at ALC’s Grady Nutt Athletic Center, beginning at 6 PM.