West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's women's basketball team began their 2025-26 season with a decisive 116-46 victory over Westminster (MO) at Western Hall on Tuesday night. The Leathernecks set the tone early, forcing 26 turnovers and converting those into 38 points while shooting 54 percent from the field.

The team posted consistent scoring across all four quarters, with runs of 29, 27, 32, and 28 points. They held Westminster to single-digit scoring in the fourth quarter. Western Illinois also dominated the boards with a total of 49 rebounds and outscored their opponents in the paint by a margin of 44-14. The bench contributed significantly, adding 45 points.

Mia Nicastro led Western Illinois with 26 points on efficient shooting, along with eight rebounds and three steals in just 21 minutes of play. Raegan McCowan followed closely with 16 points and nine rebounds. Kaylen Reed added an all-around performance with 13 points, six assists, three steals, and no turnovers. Mallory Shetley provided a boost off the bench with 13 points and six rebounds, while Allie Meadows made four three-pointers to finish with 12 points.

The Leathernecks' pressure defense was effective from the start, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter alone and capitalizing for early momentum. Nicastro, Reed, and McCowan led a key run that pushed Western Illinois into a double-digit lead within four minutes of play—a lead they would not relinquish.

In the second quarter, Shetley and Bowman combined efforts to extend WIU's advantage beyond 25 before halftime. At halftime, Western Illinois led Westminster by a score of 56-26. Gizelle Carreto was Westminster's top scorer with 19 points; however, her team struggled from long range (2-for-15) and was out-rebounded by nearly thirty.

The third quarter saw Western Illinois further increase its lead by hitting five three-pointers and continuing to score in transition as well as on second-chance opportunities. Nicastro scored eight more during this period while Meadows hit consecutive threes to widen the gap past thirty points.

All players who took part for Western Illinois recorded at least one rebound or assist during the game; ten different players scored.

With this win, Western Illinois improves its record to 2-0 for the season. The team will next face Northern Illinois Huskies on November 11 at Convocation Center at 6 PM.

For more information about Leatherneck Women's Basketball or updates throughout the season, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow their official accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.