Syracuse women's basketball routes Daemen in exhibition game

Coming off a 24-8 season, including 13-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Syracuse women's basketball opened the 24-25 campaign against Daemen University—an exhibition match they dominated early and cruised late. The Orange won 90-50 in the JMA Wireless Dome Tuesday night. 

Coach Felicia Leggette-Jack only returned two starters from last season, Kyra Wood and Georgia Woolley. Woolley did not suit up, so Coach Jack was looking for a strong performance from her newcomers, and they delivered. 

Freshman Olivia Schmitt scored the first points of the season on a top-of-the-key three-ball. On the next possession, Schmitt would pick the pocket of the Daemen guard and kick Sophie Burrows for the transition three. Schmitt would finish an early night with five assists. "I like that kid, she has great eyes, court awareness, and great IQ. Her best is yet to come," said Coach Jack. 

Along with Olivia Schmitt, Angelica Velez, the transfer from LSU looks like a good backcourt tandem. Only finishing with three points, Velez seems poised to run an offense. Velez would finish with six assists and four rebounds.

Another newcomer, Keira Scott, had an impressive showing with 16 points and eight rebounds. Although Scott struggled from the field early, she picked it up as she settled in. "Completely different environment from any I've ever played in. Once I got in my mode, I started playing my game," said Scott. Scott is assumed to be an integral part of the front court along with Kyra Wood and Izabel Varejao. 

Shy Hawkins, another freshman, was close to a double-double of her own with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. 

Nonetheless, the routing of Daemen was an overall team effort. Ten players scored tonight for the Orange, and three in double figures. "We're going to have to see that a lot for us to see success this year," said Coach Jack. "Last year, it was Deasia Fair, and somebody else got 12 or 15 because she could. But we have such a balanced team[this year]." 

Kyra Wood continued her dominance from last season, finishing with a double-double to start the season, with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Wood also shot an efficient 7-9 from the field, finishing through contact all night. 

Although the team was dominant, Daemen made a run in the second half. Not enough to scare the Orange, but enough for Coach Jack to say that as well as the team played, they still failed some tests. "I give them challenges that they have to face, even in a lopsided game. Some of them they passed and some they failed, the film is not going to be kind to them on Thursday," said Coach Jack. 

The Lady Orange's next outing is against Niagara in the season opener on Tuesday, Nov. 5th. With Georgia Wooley and Dominique Camp back, the play should look much cleaner as the team begins its regular season.