Blackburn Prevails in Conference Opener

EUREKA, IL — The Blackburn College Women's Basketball team opened conference play with a well-earned 91–77 victory over Eureka College on Tuesday evening.

In a game defined by efficiency and depth, Blackburn showcased dominance on both ends of the floor. Strong interior scoring, high-value three-point shooting, and a significant advantage in second-chance opportunities powered a balanced team effort reflected across every major statistical category. Junior Cheresse Mitchell led the Beavers with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Junior Eiz Allende Quinones contributed 19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 steals, while Junior Kenadee Frey added 15 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals. Senior Becca Benoit led the team on the boards with 8 rebounds.

Early offense came from Mitchell, who hit a jumper and later drained a three-pointer to help Blackburn respond to Eureka's paint attacks. Allende Quinones was active on both ends, generating steals, creating second-chance opportunities, and finishing multiple mid-range jumpers and layups. Despite Blackburn's balanced scoring, Eureka's inside presence allowed them to hold a narrow 24–22 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Blackburn regained momentum behind a spark from the perimeter. Junior Kailynn Kruep drilled a three to take the lead, followed by Senior Amya Harris adding another triple and a transition layup as the Beavers built their first multi-possession advantage. Defensive energy surged as Blackburn forced repeated turnovers, converting them into points through Allende Quinones and Freshman Elexus Frey, who added two free throws. Depth proved critical midway through the quarter, with bench contributors such as Senior Gaby Solis, Benoit, and Junior Annette Bennett Ramos providing strong minutes. Solis finished at the rim, Benoit added a layup, and Bennett Ramos contributed a free throw and late-quarter basket. Mitchell added another layup as the half wound down, and Benoit closed the quarter with a crucial put-back at the buzzer, giving Blackburn a 43–38 halftime lead.

Eureka surged late in the third, and despite baskets from Mitchell and Allende Quinones, Blackburn entered the fourth quarter clinging to a 64–61 lead after a late foul allowed Eureka a free throw at the buzzer. In the fourth, Blackburn steadied behind clutch scoring. Kenadee Frey opened the quarter with a layup, followed by Elexus Frey knocking down two free throws. Kruep added a strong drive, while Allende Quinones kept attacking, sinking a jumper and finishing inside to stretch the lead. Solis drilled another massive three-pointer from the wing, and Kenadee Frey continued distributing, assisting multiple baskets as the Beavers pushed the lead to double digits. Blackburn pulled away for their first conference victory over the Red Devils of Eureka.

The Blackburn Women's Basketball team returns to conference action at Webster University on December 3.