The women's basketball team extended their winning streak to five games with a 72-54 result over Johnson University of Florida Saturday afternoon. With today's home win, the Bruins have improved to 11-11 on the season and 5-2 in conference play.
"We came out playing a little bit of a different defense, and that was our game plan coming in to change things up and try to practice that changeover in defense. I think we did that really well. We had to adjust offensively, and I think we did a good job at that too," said Head Coach Mike LeViere. "Overall, I'm happy and glad we could honor the seniors with a victory and a great effort."
After 10 home games played this season, Saturday's game marked the final home game of the regular season for the women's basketball team. Before the game began, the Bruins recognized several team members completing their degrees with a senior ceremony.
As today's game got underway, layups by Katrina Tabora and Shea Dickinson put the Bruins on the board first. The Bruins lead increased to six points with 90 seconds remaining as Shea Dickinson sank both of her free throws. Hannah Clark of the Suns drained three consecutive threes to tie and take the 16-13 lead at the buzzer.
BJU hit four shots outside the arc to began the second quarter on a 14-2 run. The energy continued to build as the Bruins battled back to see the nine point lead. Despite the Suns working to cut at their deficit, the Bruins outscored Johnson University 22-10 and went into halftime 35-36.
The Bruins continued to shoot well after the break and hit a double digit advantage at the start of the third with a layup by Bria Dickinson. They didn't let off the gas and at the final buzzer, the Bruins finished victorious 72-54.
Annie Miller and Bria Dickinson led the Bruins with 14 points apiece. Katrina Tabora nearly finished with a double double at 10 points and nine rebounds.
Following the game, Coach LeViere reflected on the seniors on his team. "Tessa Leffew, our team manager, has been a part of our program for a long time and we're going to miss her. On the basketball court, Shea Dickinson, a fifth year graduate student, has had a big impact player for us for a long time. She exhibits a quiet leadership, and we've been blessed to have her on the team. While Catherine Skebo transferred here, she's one of the best shooters we've ever had here. Beth Clark has been here the last two years, and her family has been a part of the program for a long time. She's a high character young lady and when she comes on the court can provide an instant offense with really good IQ. Katrina Tabora has great athleticism and has been a good force for us in the post. Hallie Ritter is graduating early. She's multi-talented, a great teammate, and developing into a great post presence, and finishing at the rim. And then Mackenzie LeViere has been a great support staff over the last 12 years as our daughter. No one is a bigger Bruins women's basketball fan than her."
He finished saying, "we're going to miss all of them, and it's a huge hole to fill."
Up next, the Bruins will travel to Asheville, North Carolina to take on Warren Wilson College Tuesday, February 6.
