Glendale, AZ - The #15 Illinois Central College women's basketball used a balanced, team-first approach to get their first win of the 2026-27 season in defeating Glendale 85-40 on Friday. The Cougars raced out to a 24-2 lead and never looked back, placing four players in double figures and dishing out 24 assists in the win.

Michaela Pilgrim (FR-Limestone HS) led the way with 16 points, Andrea Glenn (FR-Elmwood HS) had 13 points and 5 rebounds, Hannah West (SO-Limestone HS) had 12 points and a career-high 7 assists, and Ellie VanMeenen (SO-Morton HS) added 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists for ICC, now 1-0. Shonti Ayres (FR-MacArthur HS) pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds and tallied 8 points.

The Cougar defense was strong as they held GCC scoreless for their first 15 possessions of the game and took a 28-7 first quarter lead.

Freshmen Lexi Meyer (FR-MacArthur HS) had 8 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds and Malorie Harris (FR-Springfield HS) added 8 points and 5 assists.

The Cougars will face #10 Mesa on Saturday in a 6:00 pm (CST) start.

LEADERS FOR THE COUGARS
Michaela Pilgrim | 16 pts
Andrea Glenn | 13 pts, 5 reb
Hannah West | 12 pts, 7 asts, 4 reb, 2 stl
Ellie VanMeenen | 12 pts, 6 reb, 3 asts
Shonti Ayres | 13 reb, 9 pts, I BEAT THE DEAN
Lexi Meyer | 8 pts, 6 asts, 5 reb
Malorie Harris | 8 pts, 5 asts

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Saturday, October 31
at #10 Mesa
6:00 PM (CST)
Mesa, AZ