CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Austin Peay women’s basketball cruised to a 71-point exhibition victory at home against Tennessee Wesleyan Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Governors received major contributions from newcomers Tahanee Bennell and Shay-Lee Kirby to win going away 106-35.
The Govs didn’t waste any time as Preseason All-OVC selection Arielle Gonzalez-Varner rattled off five points and five rebounds in the first three minutes of the contest. APSU led Tenessee Wesleyan 29-6 after the opening quarter of play.
Gabby Gregory took over the second quarter, burying a trio of triples during a two-minute stretch. The red-hot Governors shot 50% from the floor and 47% from downtown in the first half. The Bulldogs were held without a single three-point make and trailed 55-19 at the break.
The second half featured much more of the same, as Bennell and Kirby continued to build the Gov lead. The Turners Beach, Australia native, Bennell finished her Austin Peay debut with a double-double, 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The freshman guard from Vienna West Virginia, Kirby had a team-high 17 points, shooting 67% from the field and 83% from beyond the arc.
Austin Peay was able to turn stellar defense into offense, forcing 25 Bulldog turnovers that led to 36 points at the other end of the floor. Eight Governors logged at least one steal each while Brianah Ferby led the way with four total takeaways.
Kelen Kenol had two fourth-quarter blocks for the Govs as Austin Peay held Tennessee Wesleyan without a made field-goal in the final quarter.
Austin Peay hosts Kentucky Wesleyan for its season opener at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at the Dunn Center.