DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's basketball team defeated William Penn, 100-61, Friday afternoon in its annual "Pack the Knapp" game at the Knapp Center. The Bulldogs reached a season-high in points scored in front of 4,711 fans, including over 3,200 local elementary and middle school students who were treated to a fun day of educational activities and Bulldog basketball.
 
Junior Lizzy Wendell (Blue Springs, Mo.) led Drake (7-2) with a team-high 17 points in addition to handing out a career-high eight assists and grabbing three rebounds. Sophomore Maddy Dean (Jordan, Minn.) finished with a game-high and season-high of 12 rebounds in addition to scoring 11 points and tallying four assists. Freshman Sammie Bachrodt (Wichita, Kan.), on her birthday, finished with a career-high of 13 points along with tying a career-high with nine rebounds.
 
The first quarter was tight as Drake led just 23-20 but extended its lead to 48-34 at halftime. The Bulldogs put the game away with a 20-4 run to start the third quarter.
 
"The energy today was unbelievable, said Drake head coach Jennie Baranczyk. "When you are able to bring in that many kids and have that kind of environment, it becomes so special to our players who get to play in front of them and the kids to watch and have fun."
 
"It's amazing to get out there and play in front of the school kids and then sign autographs and give high fives after the game," said junior guard Caitlin Ingle (Runnells, Iowa). "It's great to see how excited they are about basketball."



Ashlee Harper of William Penn tied Wendell for a game-high of 17 points in addition to having five rebounds and two assists. William Penn finished with 39 points off the bench, but couldn't match Drake's 44.
 
Ingle tallied 11 points, five assists and three steals while freshman Nicole Miller (Walker, Iowa) was one point away from her career-high as she had 15 against the Statesman. Fellow freshman Sara Rhine (Eldon, Mo.) was the other Bulldog in double figures with 15 points along with pulling down six boards. Sophomore Paige Greiner (Williamsburg, Iowa) added nine points.
 
As a team, Drake finished with 56 rebounds handed out 27 assists on 34 made baskets. The Bulldogs also benefited from 16 second chance points.
 
"I like how we shared the basketball today and had six finish in double figures," Baranczyk said. "We had two really good days of practice before and as we continue to build our leadership in our junior class, it will continue to help make us better."
 
The Bulldogs will travel to DeKalb, Ill., to take on Northern Illinois Saturday, Dec. 19. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.