Women's Basketball Rallies Behind Chambers' Career Highs

OMAHA, Neb. - Behind a career performance from Megan Chambers, the Doane women's basketball team opened its 2025–26 campaign with a thrilling 66–63 victory over Peru State at a neutral-site matchup hosted at College of Saint Mary.

Chambers powered the Tigers with career highs of 36 points and 14 rebounds, controlling both ends of the floor in a breakout effort that set the tone for the new season. The senior forward was nearly unstoppable inside, finishing 13-of-16 from the field, 9-of-11 from the free-throw line, and adding one three-pointer for good measure. She accounted for over half of Doane's field goals and drew consistent defensive attention while leading the Tigers to their first win of the season.

Doane started fast with a 20-point first quarter, taking an early lead before enduring a cold second period in which they were limited to eight points. The Tigers regrouped in the second half, using a balanced 17-point third quarter and a strong 21-point fourth to erase a Peru State lead that reached as many as 12. Chambers scored 10 points in the final frame to help seal the comeback.

Sophomore Ella Johnson added 12 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, contributing timely plays on both ends. Mattea Kassebaum chipped in 12 points, including a clutch stretch from the free-throw line where she went 12-of-14. Keeleigh Knobbe added five points and three assists, while Grace Thompson filled the stat sheet with four rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

As a team, Doane shot 34.5% from the floor and 80.6% at the free-throw line, making the most of their 31 attempts at the stripe. Defensively, the Tigers forced 18 turnovers and notched 11 steals, converting those chances into 17 points.

Peru State, now 1–2 on the season, was led by Erison Vonderschmidt's 21 points and Kylie Diaz's 16 points and 10 rebounds, but the Bobcats couldn't slow Chambers' career night.

The win marks a strong start for Doane (1–0), which will look to carry the momentum into its next matchup. They will take on Clarke (Iowa) on Friday, October 31, at 3 PM in Omaha.

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