Kansas City Women's Basketball Welcomes William Jewell in Home Opener

THE STARTERS

Kansas City Women's Basketball opened its season with a 80-77 win at Utah State. The Victory moves the Roos to 3-0 in season openers during the Jackson-Durrett era. The Roos earned a 91-49 win over Westminster (Mo) in Jackson-Durrett's first year and a 73-66 win over Bradley in her second year.
Alayna Contreras and Lisa Thomas lifted the Roos over Utah State earning career-highs in the process. Thomas put up 17 points and another career-high eight free throws. Contreras improved her previous career-high by five points, notching 29 points. Tamia Ugass made her mark as well, notching a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Roos were phenomenal from the charity stripe knocking down 14 of their 15 attempts. Their 93.33% shooting from the free throw line marks one of Kansas City's best free throw games since Feb. 25, 2023 against USD when KC shot 91.7% from the charity stripe and went 11-for-12.
During the season opener, four Roos made it to the double-digits: Alayna Contreras (29), Lisa Thomas (17), Emani Bennett (12) and Tami Ugass (10). The last time Kansas City had four players score in the double-digits was Jan. 20, 2024 against Omaha.
Ugass became the only Roo this season to put up back-to-back double digit performances putting up 10 against Utah State and a team-leading 11 against Utah Valley. She also led the team in rebounds during both games. Last season she averaged 6.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

SCOUTING WILLIAM JEWELL

William Jewell opens its season Friday night, hosting Avila. The Cardinals closed the 2023-24 season with a 6-22 and a 4-18 conference record.
Saturday's game marks the first meeting between the Cardinals and Roos since Dec. 9, 2020 when Kansas City defeated William Jewell 80-60 in Kansas City.
The Cardinals were selected to finish 15th in the Great Lakes Valley conference. William Jewell earned 25 points, just one fewer than the Lincoln team that was selected to finish 14th.
William Jewell returns its leading scorer Junior Guard Ayden Shannon. Shannon averaged 17 points per game last year playing in all 28 games.

University of Missouri Kansas City Athletics