ANGOLA, Ind. (WLCSports.com) – Wisconsin Lutheran College opened its 2025–2026 season in dramatic fashion on Saturday, rallying from a 16-point first-quarter deficit to earn a 66–64 non-conference victory over nationally-recognized Trine at MTI Center.
The Thunder (0-1) came out firing in the first quarter, connecting on six three-pointers and shooting 56 percent overall to take a 29–14 lead after the opening 10 minutes. TU also outscored the Warriors 14-0 off six turnovers.
Wisconsin Lutheran (1-0) responded in the second quarter, limiting Trine to just 18 percent shooting and closing the half on a 16–10 advantage to trim the deficit to 39–30 at halftime. Senior
Jayden Hill (Kenosha, Wis.) brought the Warriors' deficit under 10 twice within the final minute of the half.
WLC's offense came alive after intermission, outscoring the Thunder 24–12 in the third quarter. Wisconsin Lutheran netted the first five points of the period and was finally able to seize its first lead since the opening minutes of the game, capped by freshman
Kenly Frey's (Brookfield, Wis.) three-pointer and a junior
Margie Stevens (Oneida, Wis.) layup, to head into the fourth up 54–51.
Wisconsin Lutheran extended its lead to a game-high eight points, 62–54, with just under six minutes to play after a three-pointer from freshman
Alexis Beger (Plymouth, Wis.), but TU battled back to tie the game at 64–64 with 2:39 remaining. Stevens sank two clutch free throws with 1:33 left to give the Warriors the edge, and the defense stopped Trine twice on its final possession to secure the two-point win.
WLC shot 43.9 percent from the field, while the Thunder went for 40.4 percent. Sophomore
Abby Cole (Fond du Lac, Wis.) led Wisconsin Lutheran with her second career double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Frey added 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Hill contributed 11 points and four assists. TU was paced by Ally Capouch, who poured in a game-high 32 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the floor, including 7-for-11 from three-point range, while Addison Hutson grabbed six rebounds.
The Warriors held a 34–12 advantage in points in the paint and forced 16 Trine turnovers over the final three quarters.
WLC returns home to host Gustavus Adolphus (0-0) on Friday at 7:15 p.m. in the second game of the Paul F. Knueppel Classic at Time of Grace Center. Live coverage links can be found at WLCSports.com.
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