Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University’s women’s basketball team began its 2025-26 season with a 69-53 victory over Lewis University on Tuesday in Carbondale. The game was played in front of more than 5,000 spectators, many of whom were local schoolchildren attending as part of Elementary Day.

Head coach Kelly Bond-White commented on the atmosphere and her team’s performance: "I was really excited for our young ladies to get out there in front of those kids," she said. "And it was good; it was good for those kids, whether they knew it or not to see a little adversity and see how our young ladies were able to handle that. There was no panic, they stuck together, and I was very proud of them."

In her debut for the Salukis after transferring from Oral Roberts, Alayna Kraus led the team with 16 points on 55% shooting. Three other players also scored in double figures: Karris Allen had 14 points, while Jeniah Thompson and Kayla Cooper each added 12.

The Salukis’ defense contributed significantly by recording 12 steals and three blocks, forcing Lewis into 17 turnovers. They also limited Lewis to just two successful three-point shots out of seventeen attempts.

The first quarter saw both teams struggle offensively until Carmen Morales opened scoring for Southern Illinois at the 7:16 mark. Lewis responded with an eight-point run before SIU closed the gap later in the period. By the end of the first quarter, Lewis led 15-7.

Southern Illinois made adjustments entering the second quarter and quickly regained momentum with a seven-point run that brought them within one point. After taking their first lead since early in the game, SIU extended their advantage to double digits following another significant scoring stretch. At halftime, Southern Illinois led by nine points.

In the third quarter, Lewis briefly narrowed the deficit but could not maintain momentum as SIU restored a double-digit lead heading into the final period.

Both teams exchanged baskets early in the fourth quarter before Southern Illinois increased its lead to fifteen points midway through. Despite late pressure from Lewis, SIU maintained control and secured their win.

Fans can follow updates about Southern Illinois women’s basketball through social media channels including Twitter (@SIU_WBasketball), Instagram (@SIU_WBasketball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics), or via the “Salukis” mobile app available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.