NORTH CANTON This would have been a well-known home opener in years past.
The Walsh University women's basketball players likely would have received their Great Midwest Athletic Conference championship rings and raised a banner in their honor. Afterwards, at least a few hundred fans would celebrate an incredible milestone with them.
The Cavaliers still had something to celebrate, even though Saturday's opener was played behind closed doors. They play, period. They also have the look of a national contender.
Walsh built a double-digit lead with less than four minutes to go and cruised past Hillsdale 92-57. It was the Cavs' school-record tying 25th straight game dating back to November 26, 2019. The 2010-11 team also won 25 games in a row.
With Walsh closing December basketball games for spectators due to COVID-19 protocols, it was a quieter celebration.
“It's definitely a different atmosphere than what we're used to,” Cavs head coach Kate Bruce said.
It didn't affect Walsh one bit.
The Cavs hit five 3s in the first quarter, played about 100 miles per hour on both ends of the court and took a 31-11 lead. Walsh led by 38.
Five Cavalier players scored in double figures. Three double doubles.
“It's tough because we don't have fans, but our bench and us on the field have to bring that extra energy,” Walsh senior forward Mayci Sales said. “When we first went out there, we just played really well together. We communicated. We had the energy. That helped us.”
Sha Carter scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Cavs, who have won their first two games by 33 and 35 points. Sales finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Lexie Scarton scored 11 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out seven assists.
Redshirt freshman Abby Hicky hit four 3s and finished with 16 points. Megan Ball added 12.
“We came out and executed everything we worked on, especially defensively,” Bruce said. “It was just a benefit that we made shots.”
The Cavs easily took out Hillsdale without one of their top newcomers.
Bowling Green transfer Morgan McMillen wore a walking boot as he watched the game from the bench. The junior guard scored 14 points in last week's 92-59 win at Ursuline.
“It's unknown right now,” Bruce said of McMillen's condition. “We're just figuring out when he'll be back.”
Walsh has home games on Wednesday and next Saturday before the Christmas break. Plans for some fans to attend the games will be reassessed in January.
Like all teams, the Cavs are taking it one day at a time. They hope to have a good chance of matching the No. 7 national ranking in both NCAA Division II polls.
“When we start the season like this, it just drives us to what we want to get,” Sales said. “We want to get to that G-MAC championship, the national championship. These early games are just a great start to keep our momentum going, our energy going. It's just going to be good from here.”
Reach Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @mpopovichREP
