Flying Dutch begin season right, get two wins in first weekend

Down three points with just one minute and 12 seconds left in the game, Coach Brian Morehouse seemed nothing but faithful in his nationally ranked Flying Dutch. Rightfully so, as the team went on to score the last eight points in the game to defeat a strong Rose-Hulman (Ind.) team in the Hope College Tip-off Tournament. Although they were out-rebounded 43 to 25, the team did not let that phase them as they came back with a ferocity that could not be held back.

Rose-Hulman was an extremely bold way for the Flying Dutch to assess their strength on opening weekend as they are coming off of a 24-win season that earned them a birth into the Division III National Championship Tournament, but junior forward Francesca Buchanan stepped up to the challenge tacking 15 points onto Hope’s total and grabbing eight boards. With this performance, along with an outstanding game to open the tournament the day before, Buchanan was awarded the Tournament MVP and was accompanied by freshman guard Kenedy Schoonveld on the all- tournament team.

Coach Morehouse seemed extremely pleased with the young squad’s attitude towards the game, especially when trailing a sound opponent. However, after being out- rebounded so drastically, they will have to focus on their interior play before upcoming competition. However, placing second in the MIAA preseason poll has the team hopeful for what the season holds.

The Flying Dutch open conference play Wednesday, Nov. 29 at home where they will face off against Olivet.