CHICAGO, Ill. -- The Vikings women's basketball team hosted their Tip-Off Tournament this past weekend to usher in the 2022-2023 season, walking away with a 1-1 record after matchups with Beloit and St. Olaf. Congratulations are due for HC Annie Radenkovich, who picked up the first win of her head coaching career in Friday's contest against Beloit.
North Park was without returning All-American Jayla Johnson for this slate of games, but that didn't stop the Vikings from a 91-point scoring outburst versus Beloit in Game 1. NPU got out to an early 18-15 lead through the end of the 1st quarter, and a dominant 2nd spiked the lead up to 19 points entering the half. Beloit ended up outscoring the Vikings for the game's remainder, but the existing damage was too much for the Buccaneers to overcome en route to a 91-74 finish. North Park got to the line 29 times and forced 26 turnovers from Beloit while out-rebounding the Buccaneers by 17.
The Vikings' Victoria Perry led all scorers with 24 points in her NPU debut, tying with Beloit's Elizabeth Kalk. Esther Miller, fresh off her CCIW All-Conference selection last season, chipped in 21 with 6 rebounds and a team-high 3 steals. Also scoring in double-digits were newcomers Felicia Sunden and Elisha Dunlap. Sunden matched Miller's 6 rebounds while Dunlap recorded a team-high of 9.
The script flipped in Saturday's Game 2, which saw the Vikings muster just 48 points in a loss to St. Olaf. North Park held on to a lead for most of the 1st quarter, but the Oles took over by the end of the period and refused to let the lead go for the game's remainder. The Vikings struggled from the field to the tune of a 27.7% field goal percentage, though they were able to grab 20 of their own misses and force 26 turnovers. Both of those represent a good omen for North Park's ability to win the ever-important possession battle moving forwards.
Aaliyah Parker-Fox led the Vikings with 10 points as their only double-digit scorer. Esther Miller came one basket shy with 8 points, but her impact was most felt on the defensive end where she led all players with 6 steals. Meanwhile, Elisha Dunlap again hauled in 9 rebounds to lead NPU.
Esther Miller Named All-Tourney
Miller totaled 29 points and pulled down six offensive rebounds in her two games played. Defensively, she stole nine passes, including six against St. Olaf.
What's Next?
North Park's next matchup is a home contest with Dominican University on Tuesday, November 15th. Tip-off is set for 7:00 P.M. as the Vikings look to get back over .500 against the Stars.
