Covert, Talivaa in Double Figures but Scots Drop Opener
MONMOUTH, Ill (11/07/2026) — The Monmouth College women's basketball team lost their season opener 78-51 at Dominican University on Saturday. The Fighting Scots will play twice on the road next weekend before the Nov. 18 home opener against Blackburn.
The Stars scored the first four points before Tiah Riggs (Vincennes, Indiana) made free throws and Jamaica Walker (Mobile, Alabama) made a layup. Kennedy Sennett (Lexington, Illinois) notched her first collegiate bucket and Riggs put the Scots on top 8-7. The Stars scored the final eight points of the quarter for a 15-8 lead.
Riggs hit a 3-pointer early in the second quarter to cut the Stars lead to 18-8. Tatianna Talivaa (Monmouth, Illinois) also hit a 3-pointer for her first college bucket. Cadence Covert (Pekin, Illinois) scored her first college points as the Scots trailed 32-18 at half.
Talivaa hit another 3-pointer early in the third quarter and Layla Rice (Rock Island, Illinois) scored. Walker scored six straight points as the Scots trailed 47-29. Covert converted a 3-point play and Monmouth trailed 51-32 after three quarters.
The Stars pushed the lead to 29 before Talivaa made a layup and Covert scored. The deficit grew to 35 before Madelyn Hamby (Quincy, Illinois) knocked down her first career 3-pointer and Talivaa scored again. Covert and Rice made free throws and another 3-point play from Covert made it 77-49. Talivaa scored the last Monmouth bucket and Dominican made a free throw for the final score.
Covert led the Scots with 14 points while Talivaa added 12. Riggs had nine points and Walker added eight. Riggs and Covert both had eight rebounds while Sennett added seven. Covert led the Scots with three steals while Walker had two. Covert and Ava Borchardt (Harvard, Illinois) both had blocks. Sennett and Covert both led the way with two assists.
MONMOUTH MOMENTS: Six players made their Monmouth and college debuts ... Talivaa, Covert, Sennett and Hamby all scored their first points ... Olivia Sprecher (Canton, Illinois) and Andi Snarski (Mundelein, Illinois) also made their debuts ... The Scots had 26 points off the bench ... Covert, Talivaa and Sprecher all played for Monmouth's soccer team last Saturday ... Covert led the Scots in points, rebounds, steals, blocks and assistsSaturday was the first game as a head coach for 2018 Monmouth alum Izy Todd ... Monmouth had their best shooting quarter in the fourth, going 6-for-14 from the floor ... The Scots out-rebounded the Stars 50-45 with 17 offensive rebound ... The Scots lead the all-time series 5-3 ... The teams split two games last December with the home team winning both games ... Monmouth plays at Westminster on Saturday at 7 p.m ... The home opener is Wednesday, Nov. 18 against Blackburn.
Media Attachments
box score
Monmouth College
Nathan Baliva 309-457-2322 nbaliva@monmouthcollege.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Scots Win Four Events, Finish Third at Home Meet
- Upcoming events at Monmouth College: Nov. 8-12
- Monmouth College archaeology lecture: Rare ancient coins tell story of mobile temples
- Volleyball Falls to Blackburn on Senior Night
- Braun Named MWC Offensive Performer of the Week
- Braun's Big Day Leads Scots to 54-7 Win at IC
- Volleyball Sweeps Beloit, Finishes in Tie for Third Place
- Women's Soccer Misses Tournament After 4-0 Loss
- McLarty Wins Freestyle as Scots Swim at IWU
- Villa Makes 14 Saves but Scots Fall in Season Finale