Kent State women’s basketball impressed fans with a 73-45-exhibition victory over Hiram on Sunday afternoon.

The Flashes got off to a slow start at the beginning of the first half, as they seemed to trade basket for basket with the Terriers. Kent State found their groove half-way through the second quarter and jumped out on an 18-0 run before the half to give the team a 19-point lead.

The Flashes took control of the game and never looked back, as their zone defense seemed to be too stingy for the Terriers to break. Kent State totaled nine steals throughout the night and out rebounded Hiram 50-37.

Freshman Merissa Barber-Smith racked in ten rounds and fell short of a double-double by adding nine points. 

Redshirt freshman Tyra James finished the night 13 points and six rebounds, as she consistently slashed her way to the basket. 

Junior Larissa Lurken picked up right where she left off last season, already looking as if she is in mid-season form. Lurken lead the Flashes with 24 points throughout the evening, with 19 of those coming in the second half.

Freshmen guards Alexa Golden and Taylor Parker both played well, managing to be pests on the defensive end. The duo struggled to find their shot offensively, but scoring will come with more experience under their belt.

Kent State looked like a completely different team than in previous seasons. With a point guard who runs the floor and controls the ball well and athletes to outrun teams, they have the mental toughness and a winning attitude.

The Flashes will begin regular season play this Sunday as they host Colgate University at the MAC Center at 2 p.m.

Ty Sugick is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].