Even though it was an exhibition game, the ISU women’s basketball team learned a lot last night. 

The Cyclones won their first exhibition game against Coe College last night in convincing fashion 87-33. Iowa State pulled away almost immediately and it was more of an opportunity to learn after the first half where the Cyclones managed 52 percent from the field while holding the Kohawks to 33 percent. 

Although the score didn’t indicate it, there was a lot to be taken from the game. 

“It was good to be back on the court and good to be back playing,” said coach Bill Fennelly. “It was nice to see everyone play, everyone score. It doesn’t count on the stat sheet, but it counts to them and their parents and their families and friends.

“Now the journey starts. Now we have a game under our belt and we’ll get ready to go.”

Leading the Cyclones was junior Chelsea Poppens. The 6’2 forward scored 14 points and had nine rebounds. Behind her was freshman Nikki Moody who had 12 points and five assists. Anna Prins also chipped in 11 points and added eight rebounds. 

Being an exhibition game it’s no surprise that Iowa State domintaed Coe in every facet of the game. The Cyclones had three times as many assists, twice as many rebounds and over twice as many steals as Coe. They also held the Kohawks to 18 percent shooting in the second half while shooting 40 percent themselves. 

Without Kelsey Bolte, the Cyclones have a new identity. They are adjusting to different spots on the floor and different lineups. They’re also adjusting to freshman point guard Nikki Moody.

“[Nikki] is definitely a more aggressive point guard,” said junior Jessica Schroll. “She’s going to make that pass when I’m sprinting down the court. I can always count on her that if I’m running my butt off down the court I’m going to get that ball.”

Moody tallied 12 points on only 5-6 shooting, three steals, two blocks and five assists. At the same time she did have two turnovers and a few risky passes and steal attempts. Fennelly went on to say that that because of Moody he would “soon have a lot greyer hair.”

“Nikki makes great plays and Nikki also makes plays that are not so great,” Fennelly said. “Some of that is being a freshman, some of that is her enthusiasm for the game.

Fennelly understands that Moody may take risks in order to try and make plays, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always a bad thing.

“The challenge is not to rein her in too much,” Fennelly said, “but she’s got to find balance, being engaged every possession.”

The Cyclones have their next exhibition game on Sunday against Rockhurst. Tip off is at 5:30 p.m.