Box Score LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The IU Kokomo women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season on a winning note Saturday afternoon, earning a 65-57 road victory over Simmons College of Kentucky. The Cougars used a balanced offensive effort and a solid defensive performance to secure their first victory of the season under third year head coach Lisa Pflueger.

IU Kokomo (1-0) placed two players in double figures, led by Cameryn Rector's team-high 16 points and Jacie Rollison's 15. The Cougars forced 22 Simmons turnovers while committing just 10 of their own, turning those opportunities into 16 points. IU Kokomo also held a 32-26 advantage in points in the paint and finished with 14 steals.


First Half

• IU Kokomo opened the season with a tightly contested first quarter against Simmons, as the two teams battled to a 15-15 tie through the opening 10 minutes.
• The Cougars struggled offensively in the opening quarter, connecting on just four of their 17 field goal attempts (23.5%), while Simmons shot 50% from the field on 7-of-14 shooting. Despite the disparity, IU Kokomo remained even with the hosts heading into the second quarter.
• IU Kokomo took control defensively in the second quarter, holding Simmons to just eight points while scoring 17 of its own. The Cougars' strong defensive effort allowed them to create separation before halftime.
• The Cougars outscored Simmons 17-8 in the second quarter to build a 32-23 advantage heading into the break, carrying a nine-point lead into the second half.

Second Half

• The Cougars continued to battle offensively in the third quarter, scoring 19 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the field. IU Kokomo also converted seven of its 13 free throw attempts during the period.
• Simmons matched IU Kokomo's 19 third-quarter points, allowing the Cougars to maintain their nine-point advantage and carry a 51-42 lead into the final 10 minutes of action.
• The Eagles outscored IU Kokomo 15-14 in the fourth quarter despite shooting just 36.4% from the field on 4-of-11 shooting. The Cougars maintained their advantage down the stretch to secure a 65-57 road victory and open the 2026-27 season with a win.

Top Performers

• Cameryn Rector led the Cougars with a team-high 16 points, connecting on five field goals and going a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Rector also collected five rebounds, three assists, and five steals in an impressive all-around performance.
• Jacie Rollison added 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including one three-pointer. Rollison also pulled down five rebounds, dished out an assist and recorded two steals.
• Arianna Gerkin contributed nine points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal and two blocked shots.
• Demi Page provided eight points off the bench, connecting on two of her three field goal attempts while going 4-of-8 from the free throw line. Page also collected two rebounds.
• Hannah Hodgen added six points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Hannah Hodgen contributed six rebounds and a pair of steals.
• Lexi DiOrio chipped in five points, connecting on two of her five field goal attempts, including one three-pointer. Trinity Wilburn rounded out the scoring with four points while adding six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a blocked shot.

The Cougars return to action this Wednesday, November 4th, when they travel to Whiting, Indiana, for a nonconference matchup against Calumet College of St. Joseph.

For the latest news, updates and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram.