Thanks to Virginia Smith for the pictures
CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park women's basketball team is undefeated after one game, as they downed the Wildcats of St. Catherine University by a score of 68-56 on Friday night at NPU Gymnasium. Acting Head Coach Annie Shain picked up her first win at the helm as the Viking defense forced 22 turnovers.
It was North Park's two reigning All-CCIW selections that got the game going for the Vikings as Jayla Johnson opened the game with a layup, followed soon after by a three-pointer from Emily Czuhajewski. NPU was quickly ahead 5-0, and they did not give up the lead for the entirety of the game. With key forwards Johnson and Josie Summerville getting into foul trouble midway through the first, Esther Miller was needed to wreak havoc on the paint. Miller did exactly that, going on huge run for the remainder of the half, going into the break with 12 points and eight boards. Johnson accompanied her in double digits with 11, while Czuhajewski had eight at the break.
Halftime: North Park 43, St. Catherine 30
St. Catherine continued to keep pace with the hosts, seeming to have a counter for every big blow that the Vikings might have had in the third. The NPU defense came alive in the fourth, locking down the Wildcats to only nine points in the frame.
It was a Czuhajewski three pointer the erupted the crowd in the gym putting North Park up by 12 with only 3:36 to go. An and-one from Miller a minute and a half later lengthened the lead for NPU to 15 and essentially put the nail in the coffin for St. Catherine. The Vikings were led in the second half again by Miller and Johnson who each had six points, while Chantel Hairston chipped in five.
Final: North Park 68, St. Catherine 56
Quick Hits:
- Miller finished with a double-double, gaining a career high in points with 18 and boards with 14.
- Just another day on the court for Johnson, who had 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals.
- Czuhajewski had 11 points on three threes. She also swiped the ball three times.
- Hairston was the leading passer with four assists.
What's Next?
The Vikings (1-0) will play in the Wheaton College Tourney on Friday, November 12th and Saturday November 13th. The Friday game will be against Otterbein University (0-0) at 5 PM at King Arena.
