VIDEO: Drury cruises past Columbia College in 93-65 exhibition

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SPRINGFIELD – The 2017-18 edition of the Drury Lady Panthers debuted with a 93-65 exhibition win over Columbia at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on Sunday.

Drury led 23-18 after the first quarter and pulled away in the second period to take a 49-29 lead at halftime.

Six Lady Panthers scored in double-figures. Alice Heinzler returned for her first game in more than a year and had 13 points on 4 for 11 shooting including a 3 for 6 performance from the three-point line. The senior from Republic missed all of last season with a foot injury. Freshman Azia Lynch also had 13 and contributed seven rebounds in her first game in a Drury uniform.

“It was good to see our entire roster, players one through 11, not just get minutes but contribute in a positive way,” said Lady Panthers head coach Molly Miller. “With this team, if you can rely on your depth, you’re going to be better off because of the pace we play.”

No Drury player played more than 22 minutes while the fewest minutes was 17 by an individual Lady Panther.

Drury was without senior Heather Harman who missed the game with an injury.

Columbia, ranked 16th nationally in the NAIA-I preseason poll, was led by Geena Stephens’ 15 points. The Cougars shot 47 percent from the floor but were just 2 for 21 from three-point range.

The Lady Panthers play their second of two exhibition games on Wednesday when they host Lindenwood-Belleville. Tipoff is at 6 p.m. at the O’Reilly Family Event Center.

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