INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Butler Bulldogs opened their season with a decisive 74-53 victory over the Wright State Raiders in a non-conference women’s basketball game Monday afternoon at a near-empty Hinkle Fieldhouse.

A sparse crowd of 1,867 watched as the Bulldogs used a dominant second quarter to pull away from the Raiders and never looked back, starting the year 1-0 while Wright State begins 0-1.

The game was a tight contest through the first quarter, ending in a 16-16 deadlock. However, Butler seized control in the second period, outscoring Wright State 20-8 to take a commanding 36-24 lead into halftime. The Bulldogs maintained their double-digit advantage throughout the second half, matching the Raiders’ output in the third quarter and outscoring them by two in the final period.

Butler’s offense was a balanced effort, with five players scoring in double figures. Lily Zeinstra led the way with 14 points and 4 assists, while Saniya Jackson and Nevaeh Jackson each added 12 and 13 points, respectively. Anna Wypych contributed 11 points, and Addison Baxter orchestrated the offense with a game-high 8 assists to go with 6 points.

For Wright State, the offensive load was carried primarily by Chloe Chard Peloquin, who scored a game-high 15 points. Claire Henson was the only other Raider in double figures, finishing with 13 points in 32 minutes of play.

The Bulldogs’ defense was also a key factor, forcing numerous Raider turnovers and converting them into easy transition opportunities. Butler’s ability to share the ball and find the open player, evidenced by their 8 assists from Baxter, proved too much for Wright State to overcome.

Wright State will look to secure its first win of the season with a pair of games on Friday, Nov. 7, on the road at Tennessee State and Fort Wayne. Butler continues its homestand on Friday, Nov. 7, hosting Columbia.