Recap: #20 Bobcats Home Opener Spoiled by Golden Eagles
After a national tournament run last season, the Bryant & Stratton College women's basketball team was ready to embark on a new season but came up empty in their season opener 64-81...
WAUWATOSA, WI (November 4, 2018) - After a national tournament run last season, the #20 Bryant & Stratton College women's basketball team were ready to embark on a new season but came up short in their season opener 64-81 to the Rock Valley Golden Eagles. The loss marks as the Bobcats first region loss since 2016. The Bobcats did not lose a region game in all of the 2017-18 season.
The Bobcats earned the #20 spot on the preseason national poll but a few mental mistakes and miscommunication errors left them empty-handed in their first game of the 2018-19 season.
"We were right there with them but we had some sloppy plays down the stretch that allowed them to pull away," Bobcats head coach Jeff Lorenz said.
Trailing 49-40 with just over a minute left in the third quater, the Bobcats were able to gain momentum going into the final period after freshman, Essence Rayford, drew a foul and knocked down two free throws to put them down seven.
Shortly after, freshman Taynique Hawthorne scored on an assist from Kiyanna Rodgers to cut the deficit to five.
"We were playing scared at first," Lorenz said. "Once they all settled into the game they started competing how they are capable of," Lorenz said.
Down 55-51 with just over seven minutes left in the contest, the Golden Eagles forced the Bobcats into crucial turnovers which allowed them to breakout to a 13-0 run and take a commanding lead with five minutes remaining.
Looking at a 21 point deficit (77-56) with just over two minutes remaining, the Bobcats saw their season opener slip away as they fell to 0-1 on the year and 0-1 in region competition.
Having just five returning the players, the Bobcats had majority of freshman competing in their first ever collegiate game which was an experience of its own.
"Many of these girls played their first collegiate game but I am very pleased with their performance and excited to get back to work," Lorenz said.
Leading the way for the Bobcats was sophomore, Maddy McCoy, producing a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Freshman, Ashley Moses, followed with 13 points, six rebounds and three assist and forward, Brandilyn Robertson, contributed seven points and 11 rebounds.
The Bobcats shot 29.6% from the field and tallied 31 turnovers.
UP NEXT:
Looking to shake off the loss, the Bobcats will prepare to get back on track with a Wednesday night matchup at home against Marian University (NCAA DIII). Tip-off will take place at 7:00pm.
Spectators can watch Bobcats live on the OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL
