ELSAH, Ill. - Spalding University women's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with an impressive 70–58 road win over Illinois Tech on Thursday afternoon.

TURNING POINT
The Golden Eagles set the tone early and finished strong, using their depth, rebounding, and second-chance efforts to secure their first victory of the year. Spalding came out aggressive offensively, attacking the paint and pushing the tempo to take a 24–21 lead after the first quarter. Zaneiya Batiste and Gabby Douglass powered the Golden Eagles' attack early, combining for several key buckets inside. Despite a slower second quarter, Spalding maintained its composure, heading into halftime down just one point at 36–35 after Illinois Tech briefly surged ahead.

The Golden Eagles regrouped in the second half and took control of the game. Behind stifling defense and improved ball movement, Spalding outscored Illinois Tech 35–22 over the final two quarters. The team dominated the glass, outrebounding the Scarlet Hawks 56–35, and converted those efforts into 22 second-chance points. The bench also played a major role, contributing 33 points to keep the offense rolling throughout the game.

Batiste led the way with a monster double-double, recording 21 points and 11 rebounds—including an impressive 10 offensive boards. Douglass filled the stat sheet with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks, while Mya Bennett added a spark off the bench with 5 points in limited minutes. Defensively, the Golden Eagles held Illinois Tech to just 9 points in the fourth quarter to close out the win.

Spalding finished the game shooting 38.0% from the field and 70.0% from the line, taking advantage of key opportunities late to seal the win. Their physical presence in the paint and relentless rebounding effort made the difference, while their balanced team play showed early-season promise. With the 70–58 win, the Golden Eagles move to 1–0 on the season. 

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Zaneiya Batiste posted a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds (and 10 offensive boards!) in 35 minutes.

• Gabby Douglass contributed 20 points, 8 offensive rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks in 32 minutes—an all-around impact.

• Ma'Kaylia Lute added 12 points to help SU in the scoring column.