UK Women Dominate Hapless Morehead State 85-42 in Season Opener
By Emmie Dishman
KySportsStyle.com Magazine
The University of Kentucky women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in an impressive fashion Monday night, earning an 85-42 victory over Morehead State at Historic Memorial Coliseum.
UK built a dominating score of 18-4 in the first quarter, and a 42-15 halftime lead, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Wildcats' defensive pressure and ability to create scoring opportunities helped them maintain their advantage throughout the second half.
One of the biggest highlights of the night came from 6-foot-5 senior Clara Strack, who led all scorers with 17 points, nine rebounds, six blocks, and three assists. Her presence in the paint helped Kentucky control the game on both ends of the floor.
Six-foot-5 guard Ajsa Sivka also delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 12 points and eight assists.
On Sivka, Strack said, "She’s pretty tall. I love playing with Ajsa. Obviously, she’s an incredible player. I mean, she’s already been drafted (in the WNBA), so I think all that helps. We’re very tall, we’re very long. I think that helps on the boards, on defense, and we’re able to like switch with each other. And yeah, it’s been really fun playing with her, she’s great.”
Sivka was selected No. 10 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft but remained in Europe to represent the National Slovenia Team in the 2025 FIBA Women's European Basketball Championship.
Kentucky entered the season with high expectations with a preseason ranking of No. 14 and a fresh roster featuring several talented newcomers.
Maddyn Greenway made her debut with 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds, showing tremendous confidence. Emily McDonald added 10 points, while Savvy Swords finished with six points and 11 rebounds. All three freshmen made impressive and promising collegiate debuts.
“They had spunk," said Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks of the talented freshmen. "They’re very hard workers; they want to get better. They’re understanding, they’re trying to fit in.”
The victory was an encouraging first step for Brooks and his team as they look to build on last season’s NCAA Sweet Sixteen success. With a mixture of experienced players, talented transfers, and an impressive freshman class, Kentucky appears to have plenty of depth heading into the new season.
In a pregame ceremoney, senior guard Asia Boone was recognized for 1,000 career points.
Kentucky will look to carry its momentum into Thursday night’s matchup against Northern Kentucky at Historical Memorial Coliseum.
Staff writer Emmie Dishman is a freshman at the University of Kentucky, studying Integrated Strategic Communications. She covers UK women's basketball for KySportsStyle.com Magazine.
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