In just 80 games played in Orange and Brown colors, BGSU women’s basketball (10-8, 3-4) junior guard Paige Kohler surpassed 1,000 career collegiate points in Bowling Green’s 82-57 loss against Ohio (12-5, 6-1).

During the first 24 seconds of the game, the Falcons won the opening tip-off and found an open Kohler in the corner right in front of the BGSU band for the first shot of the game—hitting nothing but net.

“I’m so excited for her. She so deserves it, the most deserving player on the team,” said sophomore forward Lauren Gerken postgame on WBGU 88.1 FM. “She’s worked so hard to get here, and I am super excited, super pumped, wish we could’ve come up with a win, but we gotta keep working.”

Despite the loss against the Bobcats, Kohler finished the game recording eight points and a team-high four assists.

“I’m just so proud of her,” said assistant coach Kadie Hempfling. “The last two years, when I wasn’t here on staff, but just watching, I’m so proud of her for sticking with it. I’m very proud to be associated with her as an alum, but also now as her coach and mentor.”

Kohler becomes the 33rd player in program history to reach this milestone, and tied with the seventh fastest in program history.

Head coach Fred Chmiel sang Kohler’s praises, highlighting her heavy workload and leadership role as the season has unfolded.

“Paige is the foundation of this team,” said Chmiel. “She gives her all every single night. We ask her to do a lot. She plays a lot of minutes, and she has to take a lot of tough shots. Her responsibilities are tough…she’s the one we are leaning on right now, but we got to make the game easier for her.”