Box Score
The Lady Bruins started off the new year right as the team defeated Trinity College 88-78 in overtime in Tampa, Florida on Thursday night. Hannah Tompkins provided the scoring touch with 19 points while Sarah Thomsen put in a strong all-around performance as she recorded a double-double to help the Bruins improve to 6-8 on the season.
"This was a good start for us," Bruins Head Coach Mike LeViere said. "It's always interesting to start back up after a break. As expected, we weren't on our game to begin but I was proud of how we fought through to end up with the victory."
The Bruins played the first of back-to-back games on the road in Florida as they battled the Trinity College Tigers in the opening day of the Suncoast Classic hosted at Florida College.
In the opening minutes, the Tigers and Bruins exchanged baskets as the score remained close. The Bruins got an added boost from freshman Chastiva Weatheroy as the forward played solid in the post with 8 points and 8 boards on the night. Still, the Tigers used a strong offensive run to close out the quarter with a 22-14 lead.
The Bruins came roaring back in the second quarter as Hannah Tompkins knocked down shots from the outside and the team controlled the glass to fight their way back into the game. With just over three minutes remaining in the half, the Bruins regained the lead 30-29. Both teams went back and forth in the closing minutes with the Bruins taking a slim 37-36 lead into the break.
In the second half, the Tigers came out with several quick baskets but the Bruins found the answer offensively to keep pace. At the midway point of the third quarter, the Tigers used an 8-2 run to gain the upper hand. But again, the Bruins came back as the trailed 55-53 going into the final quarter.
Hannah Tompkins again provided the leadership for the Bruins in the final quarter as the senior not only scored but also contributed seven assists on the night. Still, the Tigers refused to quit as the game came down to the wire. Each team handled the pressure well by making shots down the stretch as the Tigers and Bruins prepared for overtime with the score tied at 72-72.
As overtime began, the Bruins offense came out on fire with a 7-0 run to put the Tigers on their heels. From there, the Bruins lockdown defense came up big as Sarah Thomsen limited Tigers' guard Kandice Blackman to keep the Bruins on top. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins had come away with a hard fought overtime victory 88-78.
"We got great contributions from several players tonight," Coach LeViere said. "Chastiva played a solid game for us while Hannah provided some strong senior leadership. Sarah had a great game both offensively and defensively and we were excited to have newcomers Rachel Clark and Madison Shupe playing in their first games tonight as well. Overall, a good team effort that we can build on moving forward."
Hannah Tompkins finished the night with 19 points and 7 assists while shooting 56% from behind the arc. Sarah Thomsen scored 11 points and snagged 11 rebounds to help the Bruins win the rebounding margin 55-45. Sha'Ron Brunson scored 15 points and Sydney Bedsaul scored 14 as the Bruins grabbed an important region win.
With the win, the Lady Bruins improve to 6-8 on the season. Next up, the team will battle Florida College on Friday afternoon in Tampa, Florida.
