Box Score (Peru, Neb.) – In its second semester opener, the Peru State women's basketball team fell in Atchison, Kansas, to the Benedictine Ravens. Benedictine took the first 2022 contest 74-50 by jumping out to a big lead after the first quarter.
 
With the win, the Ravens improved to 12-4 on the season and 5-2 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) South Division. The 'Cats fell to 8-7 on the year and 3-3 in the Heart North.
 
First Quarter
 
The first-game-back rust showed a little bit at the beginning of the game as the Ravens led just 6-0 after the first four minutes. Maddy Duncan (Hamburg, Iowa) hit a pair of free throws to put the Bobcats on the board. Benedictine would score eight more before Julie Miller (Easton, Kan.) put in a bucket at the 1:30 mark. The Ravens would eventually lead 18-8 at the end of the first quarter.
 
Second Quarter
 
Natasha Deal (Winnebago) score the first bucket of the second quarter which was followed by a Duncan trey off the assist from Keisha Snyder (Winnebago). With 9:24 left in the first half, the 'Cats had pulled back with five at 18-13. That would be as close as Peru State would be in the quarter as Benedictine outscored the Bobcats 17-8 the rest of the half to lead 35-21.
 
Third Quarter
 
Duncan fired up a three to start the second half to pull Peru State back within 11 at the 9:31 mark at 35-24. Benedictine went on a 7-0 run before Hailey Ingram (Omaha) stopped the run. By the end of the third period, the Ravens would lead 59-34.
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Once again Duncan started the scoring for the 'Cats in a quarter as she made a pair of free throws at the 9:17 point in the final quarter. The Ravens would pull away more in the quarter for their 24-point win.
 
Statistics
 
Peru State only made 31.6% of its field goal attempts from the floor as they hit 12 of 38 which included making 4 of 12 from long range. The Ravens connected on 50% of their field goal tries.
 
The 'Cats did make 19 of 25 from the free throw line for a respectable 76%.
 
The Ravens held a huge rebounding edge as they grabbed 38 boards compared to 25 for Peru State.
 
Individual Statistics
 
Duncan was the only Bobcat to score in double figures as she finished with ten points. Maria Alcantara (Recife, Brazil) added nine points off the bench.
 
Miller led the team with four rebounds while Libby Baumert (Plattsmouth) finished with four.
 
Deal handed out two assists while Duncan grabbed three steals and blocked two shots.
 
Upcoming Contests
 
The Bobcats will be back in action Saturday afternoon as they host Evangel at noon in the Al Wheeler Activity Center. The Valor are 8-8 overall and are 4-2 in the Heart South. Evangel captured a 91-84 overtime win over Park at home Wednesday night.
 
The following Wednesday, it will be a battle of the 'Cats as Peru State travels to Canton, Mo., to face Culver-Stockton at 5:30 p.m. The Wildcats are presently 8-7 on the season and 2-4 in the Heart North.