CANTON, Mo. – The IU Columbus women's basketball team tipped off its 2025-26 campaign this weekend at the Atrium Classic, hosted by Culver-Stockton College. The Crimson Pride showed flashes of promise and toughness across two games, falling to Culver-Stockton (74-59) on Saturday and Mount Mercy Mount (97-60) on Sunday.

Game 1: Culver-Stockton 74, IU Columbus 59

In the season opener, the Crimson Pride fought hard in their debut against the host Wildcats. Junior Abby Fleetwood led the charge with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 13 rebounds to lead IU Columbus.

Hadassah Hurt, in her collegiate debut, added 15 points and went 3-for-7 from beyond the arc, while Amaya Collins contributed 14 points with aggressive play on both ends. Morgan Montgomery hauled in 11 rebounds and added four points, helping the Crimson Pride stay competitive on the boards with 44 total rebounds — matching Culver-Stockton's effort.

Despite the strong inside presence and rebounding effort, the Wildcats' efficiency at the free-throw line (29-for-33) proved to be the difference. IU Columbus shot 34% from the field and 63% from the stripe, showing balanced offensive contributions but struggling to contain Culver-Stockton's late fourth-quarter surge.

Game 2: Mount Mercy 97, IU Columbus 60

In Sunday's contest, IU Columbus faced a high-powered Mount Mercy squad that caught fire from long range, knocking down 15 three-pointers en route to the win.

Once again, Fleetwood anchored the Crimson Pride offense, leading with 20 points and 10 rebounds for her second straight double-double performance of the weekend. Morgan Montgomery followed with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists,  posting back-to-back double-digit rebound games.

Isyss Donelson provided a spark off the bench with 14 points and 3 steals, while Hurt chipped in 7 points and 2 assists. Despite the loss, the Crimson Pride improved their ball movement and continued to show growth in transition play.

IU Columbus shot 33% from the field and 60% from the free-throw line, while Mount Mercy capitalized on its outside shooting, hitting over 55% from deep.

Next Up: The Crimson Pride return to action on Friday (Oct. 31), as they travel to Kuyper College in Grand Rapids for a non-conference match-up. The team will look to build on their early season experience and young team to continue improving as a unit. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM on Friday.