The Iowa State women broke open a close game midway through the second half in an 84-65 victory over Western Illinois in the Cyclones season opener. The Cyclones struggled defensively in the opening half and got little help off the bench as they trailed 40-38 at the break.
I.S.U. coach Bill Fennelly says Western Illinois is well coached and played very well. He says his team took some good shots, though they were outplayed in the first half, and they need to do a better job being ready for the players coming off the bench. Chelsea Poppens led the Cyclones with 23 points and also hauled down 15 rebounds.
Fennelly says it was a good test for his team as both team played hard and he says they were fortunate to finish the game with 10 really good minutes. The Cyclones return to action next Sunday at home against North Dakota.