LANSING, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team started its 2025-26 campaign on a high note, defeating Cleary University 76-60 on the road Saturday afternoon.
 
After a back-and-forth start, SAU began to separate in the second quarter – leading 18-12 after the first and outscoring Cleary 18-9 in the next frame to take control heading into halftime. From there, the Cougars maintained their advantage and kept Cleary at arm's length the rest of the way.
 
Megan Zeitz led SAU with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Rachel Reichard and Haven Chapman both reached double figures in their Cougar debut. Reichard finished with 13 points and Chapman recorded 11 to go along with nine rebounds.
 
As a team, Spring Arbor shot 41 percent from the field and was 21-for-27 from the free throw line while holding Cleary to 38 percent shooting. The Cougars also forced Cleary into 22 turnovers that SAU converted into 33 points.
 
Spring Arbor has its home opener against Kuyper College on Tuesday, Nov. 4 starting at 6 p.m. from the American 1 Credit Union Arena in the McDonald Athletic Center.