Abilene Christian opened its season with a 108-32 rout of Howard Payne, combining hot shooting with relentless defense. The Wildcats forced 34 turnovers, scored 49 points off them and held the Lady Jackets to 20.4% shooting. Payton Hull led ACU with 20 points and a career-high eight steals.

By the Numbers
  • 108-32: Final score, a 76-point margin and ACU’s largest since 2012.
  • 54.5%: ACU’s field-goal percentage; Howard Payne shot 20.4%.
  • 34 turnovers forced, 22 steals and 49 points scored off turnovers.
  • 17 3-pointers: ACU’s most in three seasons.
  • 10 straight season-opening wins for the Wildcats.
Yes, But

The lopsided win came against Howard Payne, and the opener alone can’t show how ACU will fare against tougher competition. Still, the Wildcats’ defensive pressure and contributions across the roster offered a strong start.

State of Play
  • Hull scored 20; Riley Grohman added a career-high 15 points, five assists and four steals.
  • Eleven Wildcats played, and each logged at least 11 minutes.
  • Coach Julie Goodenough earned her 275th ACU victory as she began her 15th season.
Bottom Line

ACU’s opener was a statement in depth and defensive intensity—not just a big score. Sustaining that pressure against stronger opponents will be the test.