Pikeville, KY – UPIKE women's basketball took a dominating victory to open the 2021-22 season, trumping Miami-Hamilton 107-50.

The Bears shot a solid 49.4% from the floor, putting four players in double digits on the scoresheet. Mary Englert continued to showcase her talent in 27 minutes of action splashing eight of 17 shots from the floor to finish with 21 points. Englert also wrangled eight rebounds and went 5-6 from the free throw line.

Leeanna Mcnulty did not disappoint in her collegiate debut, matching Englert's game-leading 21 points on 8-13 shooting. Mcnulty got busy on the glass as well, pulling in nine rebounds including five offensive boards. Morgan Stamper recorded her third career double-double in the victory with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

The Bears also connected with the deep ball, going 48% from range. Senior Georgia Sideri splashed a career high four three pointers to finish with 12 points. Veteran guard Hailey Free ran point for the Bears offense on Wednesday night, dishing out a career-high 12 assists and tacked on five rebounds and a pair of steals.

It was lopsided in the Bears favor from the beginning as they set the tone with a 12-0 out of the gate featuring a pair of threes from Sideri.  UPIKE outscored the Harriers 24-8 in the first seven minutes alone, connecting on 10 of 21 shots.

After carrying a 54-20 lead into the halftime break, Englert lit up for 12 points in the third quarter as the Bears kept their foot on the gas. Continuing to extend their lead, the Bears shared the offensive touches and each player finished with at least three points. Sammi Sites played all ten minutes of the fourth as the true freshman added a pair of threes in the span to finish with nine.

The Bears return to action for an exhibition battle with NCAA D1 Austin Peay State next week on Tuesday, November 9^th in Clarksville, TN. The regular season resumes on Monday, November 15^th with a road matchup at Midway.