Milwaukee, WI- Coming into Wednesday's season opener, the Alverno Basketball team was looking at a great deal of excitement, newness and history. After a hiatus in the 25-26 season, Alverno basketball played their first game since February 22nd of 2025. The team also enters the season with the unique background fact that prior to Wednesday, no team member had ever played for Alverno College.
The new group of players rose to the occasion in front of a packed house at Reiman Gymnasium, defeating Knox College by a score of 72-65. The victory breaks a 23 game losing streak for the program, was the first victory since November 18th, 2024, and the first win over an NCAA opponent since November 9th, 2024.
The match up was close throughout, the Inferno would lead by as many as nine in the second quarter, but Knox would not fade away. A
Sanai Ballard (Highland, IN) three point shot at the halftime buzzer sent the Inferno to half with a 38-34 lead.
The back and forth action continued in the second half, with neither team being able to pull away or create any distance from their opponent. Knox took a 63-62 lead with 1:11 remaining and the Inferno would take over from there.
Addison Ray (Tolono, IL) knocked down a huge three point shot with under one minute left to give Alverno a 65-63 lead, a lead they would not relinquish. The remainder of the contest consisted of the Inferno collecting key defensive stops and knocking down free throws. Alverno finished the game on a 10-2 run to secure the 72-65 win.
Digging into team statistics, Alverno knocked down 10 three point shots to just one for Knox. The Inferno also dominated at the foul line, hitting 22 of 33 tries, while Knox only attempted 16 foul shots.
Sanai Ballard had 18 points, 5 rebounds, four steals and three assists, she also went 9 for 9 from the foul line, icing the game with foul shots in the final minute.
Ameri Lawson (Racine, WI) added 15 points and seven rebounds, while
Joselyn Gonzales (Milwaukee, WI) had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Eight different Inferno players would score in the game, and the team came through as a whole with key defensive stops late to secure the season opening victory.
Next up for Alverno on the young season will be a trip to Lake Forest College. The Inferno will take on the Foresters on Saturday, November 14th, at 1 pm.
