The No. 8 University of Rio Grande women’s basketball team continued its dominant early season form, dispatching Cornerstone University 90-64 in the opening round of the Woods Lumber Classic. This victory extends Rio Grande’s winning streak to two games and solidifies their position as a force to be reckoned with in the NAIA landscape. While the scoreline reflects a comfortable win, a closer look reveals areas for improvement as the RedStorm navigate a challenging schedule.
- Dominant Rebounding: Rio Grande controlled the boards, outrebounding Cornerstone 57-32, translating into crucial second-chance points and limiting the Golden Eagles’ opportunities.
- Allie Ellyson’s Breakout Performance: The freshman guard delivered a career-high 20 points and a game-high four steals, signaling a potential key contributor for the RedStorm.
- Turnover Differential: Rio Grande capitalized on Cornerstone’s 23 turnovers, converting them into 37 points – a significant factor in building their lead.
Rio Grande’s success this season isn’t a surprise. Head Coach David Smalley has built a program predicated on defensive intensity and a balanced offensive attack. The RedStorm entered the tournament ranked among the nation’s elite, and this win reinforces that standing. However, the team’s shooting performance – a mere 22.2% from three-point range and 53.3% from the free-throw line – highlights a potential vulnerability. In tight, high-stakes NAIA contests, consistent shooting is often the difference between victory and defeat. The team’s ability to consistently convert outside shots will be critical as they face tougher opponents.
The game also saw a shift in the starting lineup, with sophomore Josie Graves stepping in for senior Marlee Grinstead, who was sidelined due to illness. Graves responded well, contributing 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, demonstrating the depth of Rio Grande’s roster. This flexibility will be invaluable as the season progresses and the team navigates potential injuries or foul trouble.
The Forward Look: Rio Grande faces Spring Arbor University on Tuesday in the final game of the Woods Lumber Classic. Spring Arbor, also a Michigan-based NAIA program, presents a different challenge. Analysts predict a more closely contested matchup than Monday’s game. The key for Rio Grande will be to address their shooting woes and maintain their defensive pressure. More importantly, the team needs to monitor Grinstead’s health. Her leadership and scoring ability are vital. A healthy Grinstead, combined with the continued emergence of players like Ellyson, will be crucial as Rio Grande aims for a deep postseason run and a potential national championship title. The Woods Lumber Classic serves as an important early-season test, and Tuesday’s game against Spring Arbor will provide valuable insights into the RedStorm’s championship potential.
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