The Iowa Mennonite School girls’ basketball team faced a tall order in their season opener Tuesday evening at Hillcrest Union. IMS welcomed in the Mediapolis Bullettes for a Southeast Iowa Super Conference matchup. Mediapolis came into last night’s contest ranked no 2 in Class 2A.

The Bullettes protected their ranking well, leading from start to finish and increasing the gap throughout the game. Mediapolis led by 12 in the first quarter, 21 at halftime, 36 in the third, and walked out of Hillcrest Union with an 86-42 victory over IMS.

IMS’s depth was challenged Tuesday evening. Senior Riley Schmieder fouled out with 6:32 remaining in the game, while senior Cassidy Bontrager played much of the game hurt after suffering an injury on a charge in the second quarter. IMS’s girls’ basketball team has eight players on this year’s varsity lineup.

Head coach Aaron Gingerich says the girls are sore after the loss. “Mediapolis is just so big and physical,” Gingerich said, “I think we are a little banged up after tonight.”

Schmieder led IMS with 19 points. Senior Hannah Miller was the only other Mennonite player to score in double figures with 12 points. The Iowa Mennonite Schools drops to 0-1 on the season. They return to action Tuesday in Wapello for a Southeast Iowa Super Conference game with the Arrows.