Box Score HASTINGS, Neb. — Friends University Women's Basketball opened its 2026-27 season with a 92-47 road loss to the #18 Hastings College Broncos today (Oct. 23).
In a rematch of last season's NAIA Opening Round matchup, turnovers proved costly for the Falcons, who committed 35 while Hastings converted them into 32 points and recorded 22 steals. Friends shot 28.1% from the field and went 2-for-25 from beyond the arc, while the Falcons' bench contributed 27 of the team's 47 points.
Friends put together a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter, cutting Hastings' lead from 78-28 to 78-38. Despite the late scoring push, the deficit was too large to overcome as Hastings maintained control through the final minutes.
Friends created additional opportunities with 19 offensive rebounds and 11 steals. Freshman Brynleigh Graham made an impact in her Falcons debut, finishing with seven points and eight rebounds, including four offensive boards. However, Hastings held a 52-46 rebounding advantage and outscored Friends 20-8 in second-chance points.
Graham led the Falcons with seven points and eight rebounds. Raegan Bugaj added five points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Bella Slocum contributed four points, three rebounds and two steals. Nine additional Falcons also scored in the contest.
Hastings was led by Ann Bose, who finished with 17 points, knocked down four of five 3-point attempts and recorded three steals. Stella Heapy added 13 points, while Bailey Kissinger posted 11 points, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. McKenna Yates dished out six assists and recorded two steals.
The Falcons will look to bounce back next Tuesday (Oct. 27) in their home opener as they take on the Baker University Wildcats. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. in the Garvey Center.
