PITTSBURG – The Pittsburg State women's basketball team previewed the 2016-17 season with a 86-50 exhibition win over Bethany College on Friday (November 4) in John Lance Arena. 

All 15 players on the Gorilla roster saw playing time, with 11 of the 15 scoring. Mikaela Burgess led all players with 23 points on 8-for-9 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three-point range. Shelby Lopez chipped in 17 off the bench, including five threes. Hadyn Herlocker added 12 points, while lso leading the team with eight assists and six steals. Paige Imhoff led the team with six rebounds, while Paige Lungwitz and Athena Alvarado each contributed five. 

The first quarter was the best for the Gorillas, as they outscored the Swedes, 24-4. Pitt State scored the first 14 points before their run was slowed by a Samm Ashida three with 4:25 remaining in the quarter. Pitt State's largest lead of the fist half came on a Lopez three with two seconds left, making the halftime score, 41-18. 

Pitt State was solid in the third quarter, adding 31 points to their total. The team's largest led of the game was 43 points after free throws by Marina Bauza with 25 seconds to go in the third quarter. The Swedes outscored the Gorillas 20-14 in the fourth quarter, while the younger players got some playing time. 

The Gorillas shot 42 percent (28-66) for the game overall and 41 percent (14-34) form three-point range. PSU outrebounded Bethany 41-30.

Pitt STate will open regular season play with the MIAA/NSIC Challenge on Friday, November 11 at noon against Mary in John Lance Arena.