Hastings, Neb. – The Friends University Falcons fell 73-47 in the 2023-24 season opener today (Oct. 28) at the Hastings College Lady Broncos in Hastings, Neb.

The Lady Broncos jumped out to a double-digit lead of 17-5 in the first quarter, but a three by Trinity Johnson ignited an 11-2 burst that trimmed the deficit to just three points early in the second period.

Trailing 24-18, Rayland Garner caught fire and scored 10 of the Falcons next 11 points to give Friends its first lead of the game at 29-27 with 2:50 left in the opening half.

Lexi Kraft then hit a three to put Hastings back on top and spark a 9-1 spurt to end the half and make it 36-30 at the break.

The Lady Broncos carried over that momentum with the first six points of the second half to obtain a 12-point lead again.

After a three by Kori Babcock brought the Falcons back within eight at the 6:02 mark of the third, the Lady Broncos ripped off the next eight points to take their biggest lead of the game to that point of 50-34.

It was a 51-40 deficit following another three by Babock when the Lady Broncos put the game away with a 16-2 run that stretched the lead up to 25 points.

Garner led the Falcons with 16 points and Taylor Jackson had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Lauryn McIver had a team-high three assists in her first game with the program. Kassie Kinniburgh also had a pair of blocks for the Falcons.

Kiernan Paulk paced the Lady Broncos with 15 points, with Rachel Gooden and Alyssa Baker each chipping in with 10 points. Alexis Folkers led Hastings with five assists.  The Lady Broncos also had three different players with three steals and forced 17 turnovers overall.

The Falcons will next host Barclay College for the "Quaker Classic) Tuesday evening (Oct. 31) at 6 pm inside the Garvey Center.

Catch the Women's Basketball Falcons first appearance in the Garvey Center this season with a season ticket package!