Lady Jackets Win 11 in a Row, Defeat Senators

On Saturday of Lil’ Sibs’ Weekend, the Lady Jackets defeated Davis & Elkins, 75-58.

The Senators measured up with the Lady Jackets more so than previous teams in terms of how they approached the game. They shared the basketball, and didn’t panic when they gave up baskets in bunches. The Senators, a team with a talented frontcourt, were able to post up and score in the paint.

Both teams were poised in terms of execution, and play was at a gridlock most of the first half.  Before halftime, center Breanne Watterworth and power forward Kayla Linkous took charge inside. Watterworth grabbed six rebounds and swatted three shots, which gave the Jackets some space to go into halftime leading 34-27.

More importantly, Cedarville’s two posts were able to limit the Senators’ Sharmaine Baker to just 2-9 of shooting. Baker, one of the best post players in the G-MAC, came into the game averaging twenty points and nearly seven rebounds per game. Stopping Baker was crucial as the Jackets were cold from beyond the arc, only making three of 14 first-half attempts.

Guard Raegan Ryan had eight first-half points and was 2-3 from downtown. Freshman Abby Wolford added five points off the bench and Emily Williams had four.

The second half was a different story offensively for Cedarville. Kayla Linkous dominated in the paint, got to the free throw line and grabbed lots of rebounds. Regina Hochstetler and Kaysie Brittenham both displayed mental toughness, shaking off tough first halves to dial in from downtown. Brittenham was great against the Senators’ zone defense, distributing five assists and connecting on two of her three attempts from beyond the arc.

Hochstetler subbed in with 13 minutes to go and the game close. She came off the bench firing with three straight three-pointers in under two and a half minutes.

All the while Davis & Elkins continued to keep pace, but even Linkous got into the three-point shooting act. Linkous, who would finish the game with 18 points and 13 rebounds, stepped out beyond the arc to bury two threes herself. Hochstetler had 13 points, and freshman center Breanne Watterworth scored seven points, grabbed nine boards and blocked four shots.

For Davis & Elkins, Baker ended with 19 points, while Ashley Bowles had thirteen. Point guard Stephanie Wooten had nine points and gave out six assists.

The Lady Jackets are now 21-2, ranked 27^th in Division II, and still undefeated at home. They have two road tests upcoming at Trevecca and Kentucky Weslyan, but will play at home again on Feb. 19 against Salem International University.

Dave Guidone is a junior social studies education major and sports reporter for Cedars. His hobbies include eating, snacking, shooting hoops and laughing. Hebrews 13:8.