PARKVILLE, Mo. — Park University women's basketball opened its 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion Friday afternoon, overcoming an early deficit before pulling away for an 85-72 victory over Stephens College at Breckon Sports Center.
The Pirates found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Stars 27-15 to take control of the contest. Park carried that momentum through the second half, improving to 1-0 on the season.
Elizabeth Boehm led the Pirates with 22 points, while Nevaeh Spillman delivered a dominant performance inside with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Jordyn Jiron added 13 points, including four three-pointers, as Park had three players finish in double figures.
Stephens was led by Ava Schlotzhauer, who recorded a game-high 20 points.
First Quarter
The opening period featured an offensive back-and-forth, with both teams trading baskets and momentum.
Park got on the scoreboard early when Mia Miller connected from beyond the arc at the 9:35 mark, giving the Pirates a 3-0 advantage. Stephens answered with a Quimari Shelton layup, and the Stars continued to keep pace.
After a turnover by Park, Stephens capitalized on the opportunity. Effie Morris came up with a steal, but Park responded defensively on the next possession. Spillman blocked an attempt by Schlotzhauer before securing the defensive rebound.
The teams continued exchanging scores. Simone Clay knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 5-5, but Charleece Davis answered with a layup for Park. Gabriela Escobar later added a basket inside to help the Pirates maintain pressure.
Stephens eventually found its offensive rhythm. Shelton scored inside, and Kate Hollman followed with a layup. Morris added another basket to help the Stars build a five-point advantage, their largest lead of the game.
Park stayed within striking distance, but Stephens finished the opening quarter ahead, 23-21.
Second Quarter
Park's response came in the second quarter.
The Pirates found better offensive balance and increased their production, scoring 27 points while limiting Stephens to just 15.
Boehm began to make her presence felt offensively, while Spillman continued attacking the basket and creating opportunities around the rim. Park's ability to convert inside helped shift the momentum after Stephens had controlled much of the opening period.
Jiron also provided a major boost, connecting on two three-pointers during the quarter. Her perimeter shooting helped stretch the Stephens defense and opened additional opportunities for the Pirates.
Park shot an efficient 56.3% from the field in the second quarter, going 9-for-16. The offensive surge turned a two-point deficit into a 48-38 halftime lead.
Third Quarter
Stephens attempted to stay within reach after halftime, scoring 22 points in the third quarter. However, Park continued to hold the advantage and maintained control of the scoreboard.
Boehm delivered an important scoring stretch, adding nine points during the period. Jiron contributed another three-pointer, while Spillman continued to provide a strong presence in the paint.
The Pirates' defense also created opportunities in transition. Park finished the game with 27 points off turnovers, a major difference in the contest.
Although Stephens managed to outscore Park 22-16 in the quarter, the Pirates' earlier offensive run allowed them to maintain a comfortable advantage.
Park entered the final period with a 64-60 lead.
Fourth Quarter
With the game still within reach, Park delivered its strongest closing effort of the afternoon.
The Pirates scored 21 points in the fourth quarter while holding Stephens to 12. Park's ability to get to the free-throw line proved especially important, as the team converted 10 of its 12 attempts during the period.
Boehm continued to lead the scoring attack, while Spillman helped Park maintain its advantage through her work on the boards. The Pirates also received contributions from their supporting cast, with Lariah Tucker, Charleece Davis and Gabriela Escobar combining for 20 points.
Stephens struggled to find consistent offense late, shooting just 27.3% from the field in the fourth quarter. Park maintained its separation down the stretch and secured the 85-72 victory.
By the Numbers
Park's offensive balance and ability to capitalize on mistakes played a major role in the result.
Park finished with 25 field goals on 63 attempts and connected on seven of its 18 three-point attempts. The Pirates also converted 28 of 38 free throws.
The team's defensive pressure created a significant advantage. Park scored 27 points off turnovers compared to 11 for Stephens. The Pirates also recorded 10 fast-break points and held a 21-15 advantage in second-chance points.
Stephens finished with 72 points, led by Schlotzhauer's 20 and Morris' 11. The Stars shot 46.3% from the field but struggled from three-point range, making just three of 18 attempts.
