Eagles Shine at Cougar Holiday Tournament, Fall Just Short in Finale
East Peoria, IL- The #2 Kirkwood Eagles put together an impressive showing at the Cougar Holiday Tournament this past week, combining dominant wins with a hard-fought finish that provided an early-season test against elite competition.
After opening the event with a win over Palm Beach State, Kirkwood delivered one of its most complete performances of the season against Lake Land College. The Eagles were in control from the opening tip, jumping out to a 21–5 first-quarter lead and never easing up in an 83–32 victory.
Olivia Wren led the way offensively, scoring 14 points while knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. Kennedy Blakely was active on the glass, pulling down 10 rebounds to go with six points, while Aaliyah Riley filled the stat sheet with eight points, six assists, and four rebounds. Claire Hudson provided a spark off the bench with nine points on three made three-pointers, and Kirkwood's bench outscored Lake Land 40–5, underscoring the Eagles' depth and energy throughout the game.
In the final game of the tournament, Kirkwood squared off with host team and third-ranked Illinois Central College in a marquee matchup. The Eagles came out strong, building a 22–10 lead after the first quarter behind efficient offense and strong defensive pressure. However, the Cougars steadily chipped away over the next two quarters, setting up a tight finish.
Erianna Moeschter paced Kirkwood in the championship game, scoring 12 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting performance. Molly Roling added 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while Aaliyah Riley recorded a double-double with seven points and 11 rebounds. Olivia Wren contributed eight points, four rebounds, and three steals, and Kennedy Blakely chipped in six rebounds and five points as the Eagles battled until the final possession.
Despite strong individual efforts and a balanced team performance, Kirkwood fell just short in a 62–60 loss, marking the team's first defeat of the season.
The Eagles leave the Cougar Holiday Tournament battle-tested and confident as they turn their attention back to conference play. Up next is a major ICCAC road matchup, as Kirkwood travels to Boone, Iowa, to take on the #13 DMACC Bears tomorrow at 1PM.
