Box Score KINGSPORT, TENN. – The Southeastern women's basketball team impressed in its first game of the NAIA Division II Showcase, earning a dominant 89-60 win versus the Union College Bulldogs. The Fire never trailed in the contest. With the win, SEU improved to 6-0 on the season and are one win away from their best start in program history since joining the NAIA in 2009.
Southeastern jumped out to an aggressive start, quickly going up 16-4 within the first five minutes of play. The Fire found their rhythm early on both offense and defense, shooting 61.1 percent from the field and forcing eight Union turnovers in the first quarter. They lead the Bulldogs 26-15 at the end of the first.
Both teams exchanged runs in the second quarter, with Union trimming the SEU lead down to 32-30 with 2:32 to go. However, the Fire went on a 10-2 run to end the half and take a 42-32 lead. Senior forward
Christin Strawbridge was a perfect 4-4 from the field in the first half, posting nine points and two rebounds.
The Fire have pulled away from teams in the third quarter each game this season and this afternoon proved to be no different. SEU went on a 13-2 run, in which five different players scored, to close out the remaining 5:42 to play and take a 63-42 lead into the fourth quarter. Southeastern has now outscored opponents 142-78 in the third quarter this season.
SEU grew the lead over Union to as many as 32 in the final period. The Fire created fits for the Bulldogs with their defensive play throughout the contest, forcing 24 turnovers, recording 18 steals, and blocking six shots on the day.
"We did a good job defensively using our length to disrupt passing angles and limit touches in the paint. Our size and depth puts consistent pressure on teams the entire game," shared Head Coach
Tim Hays.
Five different players for the Fire scored in double digits. Junior guard
Ana Richter was the team's top scorer with 18 points and leader in assists with five. Senior guard
Bailey Hooker notched her 19
th straight game with a three point field goal made.
Southeastern plays its second game of The Show tomorrow afternoon versus Tennessee Wesleyan University. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.
