Posted: Nov 01, 2025
WAU Women’s Basketball Opens Season with Gritty 57–54 Road Win at Oakwood
Washington Adventist (MD)
(2-0)
57
Oakwood (AL)
(1-4)
54
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Washington Adventist (MD) (2-0) | 12 | 17 | 13 | 15 | 57 |
|
Oakwood (AL) (1-4) | 11 | 7 | 16 | 20 | 54 |
Huntsville, Ala. — The Washington Adventist University women's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a statement win on the road Friday night, defeating Oakwood University 57–54 in a hard-fought contest that came down to the final seconds.
The Shock came out composed and physical on both ends, setting the tone early with defensive energy and disciplined half-court play. Senior guard Isabela Lujan-Gonzales put WAU on the board with the first point of the season at the free-throw line, later adding a steal and a layup to give the Shock early momentum. After trading baskets through the first quarter, WAU held a narrow 12–11 lead heading into the second.
The Shock began to pull away in the second quarter, thanks to sharp ball movement and timely shooting. Tye Queen powered through the lane for consecutive finishes, while Saniya Hymes added a jumper from the elbow to extend the lead. Lujan-Gonzales continued to control the tempo, finding open teammates in transition and knocking down a three-pointer to ignite the bench. Moments before halftime, Heather Middleton drilled a deep three from the wing, giving WAU a 29–18 advantage going into the break.
Oakwood opened the third quarter with a push, but Middleton's outside touch remained steady, connecting again from beyond the arc to halt the run. Angeleen Mulero added a clutch and-one conversion, and WAU's defense held firm to maintain an eight-point edge heading into the fourth quarter.
Down the stretch, Oakwood mounted another rally, cutting the deficit to two with under a minute to play. When the Shock needed a basket, they turned to Queen, who knocked down a smooth mid-range jumper with 33 seconds remaining to make it a two-possession game. Lujan-Gonzales later sank a free throw with six seconds left to close it out, and WAU's defense forced a final miss to secure the season-opening victory.
Middleton led all-around with a double-double, delivering from deep with four made three-pointers and 15 strong rebounds. Lujan-Gonzales finished with several steals, key assists, and the game-sealing free throw, while Queen provided consistent scoring inside and the dagger jumper late. Hymes and Mulero added vital production in the midrange and at the line, and Deryanis Velez-Colón gave the Shock valuable hustle minutes off the bench with rebounds, steals, and defensive energy.
Key Highlights:
- Isabela Lujan-Gonzales: Multiple drives and finishes, a second-quarter 3, late assist to Queen, 1-of-2 FT with 6 seconds to ice it; three steals leading to run-outs.
- Heather Middleton: Four made 3-pointers and nine defensive rebounds; added a late free throw.
- Tye Queen: Repeated paint touches and the dagger jumper at 33 seconds of the fourth.
- Saniya Hymes: Mid-range makes in the 2nd and 4th, multiple defensive rebounds, steady fourth-quarter minutes.
- Angeleen Mulero: First-half 3, third-quarter jumper, and and-one; late assist on a Middleton three.
- Deryanis Velez-Colón: Hustle plays with rebounds, a key steal, and a second-quarter dime to Queen.
WAU will remain on the road, looking to build on a 1–0 start, facing Gallaudet University on Sunday, November 9.
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