Harper can’t keep up with Illinois Central

Suffering through a lopsided loss is a little easier when the foe is so highly regarded.

Harper College’s women’s basketball team fell 94-36 to the NJCAA’s second-ranked team, Illinois Central (3-0), in nonconference play Tuesday a the Sports and Wellness Center in Palatine.

“We knew we were going to have our hands full tonight,” said first-year Harper coach Jenny Turpel.

Harper’s leading scorer last year, Monica Hinderer, had a team-high 16 points.

Hinderer and Harper (0-3) had more success in the second half as the Hawks adjusted to Illinois Central’s defensive approach.

“I just adjusted to how they were guarding me,” Hinderer said of playing against an assortment of athletic post players.

Despite falling short in the Hawks’ home opener, Turpel said there were valuable lessons learned Tuesday that she hopes will pay dividends in time for Thursday’s contest against Moraine Valley.

“We have more to work on,” Turpel said. “Having them see the things that they struggle with is enough to get them motivated.”