Decatur, IL—Millikin University women's basketball debuted its 2026-2027 season at home court, welcoming the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The Big Blue stuck close to the Engineers for all four quarters, but could not keep the lead, allowing Rose-Hulman to secure the 70-61 victory.Â
Freshman Amya Porchia made an impressive collegiate debut, leading Millikin with 16 points while knocking down four three-pointers and shooting 54% from the field. Senior Izzy Hay added 12 points, showcasing her midrange shooting and ability to finish at the basket.Â
Ava Harris led MU with seven rebounds with four points and six steals; Kyleigh Heimsness also had two steals to add on top of her nine points.Â
The Big Blue controlled the boards and defensive pressure, having led in rebounds with 31 and steals with 21. However, Millikin struggled to capitalize at the free-throw line, only hitting 8-20 (40%), while the Fightin' Engineers took advantage to make 15-19 (78.9%).Â
Rose-Hulman's Katelyn Fennell led all scorers with 23 points, going 7-8 from the floor with five made threes.Â
Hitting the road next weekend, the Big Blue travel to Head Coach Kirsten Hammer's alma mater University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for a tournament to face Augsburg University Friday, November 13 at 6:00pm and Whitewater Saturday, November 14 at 1:00pm.Â
