The BJU Bruins had begun their inaugural season with five straight losses. Despite the standings, the Bruin women refused to quit, and each practice the ladies worked that much harder to push themselves to improve. Each time the team took the court, small improvements could be seen in different aspects of the game. On Tuesday night, the Bruin women traveled to Toccoa Falls, Georgia for a matchup with the Toccoa Falls College Eagles. The Eagles had struggled to begin their season as the team had started with a 0-3 mark before facing the Bruins.
From the opening tip, the Bruins hard work was beginning to show as the team began to execute efficiently on the offensive end. The team was able to capitalize on the height advantage provided by Kendra Jeffcott and Kourtney Hoefler as the Bruins were able to feed the post for open shots. "We thought we matched up well with this team," Coach LeViere said. "Height was a key for us tonight, but we knew we could run with this team."
As the 1st half continued, the Bruins found themselves in unfamiliar territory. The team was leading on the scoreboard. As each minute progressed, the Bruins offense became stronger and stronger as Hoefler and Jeffcott continued to receive great passes from Trisha Irving who had 8 assists on the night. At the half, the Bruins were up 27-24.
"We have stressed all season long the importance of doing the little things right," Coach LeViere said. "We told our girls at halftime that success will come if we keep doing those little things right of defense, rebounding and taking it one possession at a time."
In the second half, the Bruins continued to play well on both sides of the ball and really stepped up the defensive pressure. That defensive pressure allowed for poor shot choice from the Eagles, and the Bruins transitioned for easy baskets on the offensive end. The team was able to spread the floor and capitalized on several fast break opportunities. With the final minutes ticking off the clock, the Bruins realized they were on the brink of history. This would be the first victory in the program's history. As the buzzer sounded to conclude the game, the Bruin women were elated as they had captured their first victory in a 61-47 win.
"It is a really neat thing to be a part of," Coach LeViere said. "These girls have worked so hard and we hope this is just the first of many wins to come in the future for our program."
Kendra Jeffcott had a double-double on the night with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kourtney Hoefler added 12 points on the night and Ginny Gause scored 13. The Bruins outscored the Eagles 34-23 in the second half to come away with the win. This victory will be one that each player and coach will remember. Long after the lights are turned out, the Bruin women will remember the team's first victory as BJU Bruins.
