Lady Eagles Drop Close Decision at Asbury University, 77-72

Wilmore, KY:  The Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles traveled to central Kentucky to face the Asbury University Lady Eagles on November 22nd. In a non-conference contest that went down to the wire, the hometown Eagles earned the close 77-72 decision to hand the Caney Creek club their first loss of the season.

In the opening period, the host club jumped ahead 9-2 before ALC settled down.  Sparked by 5 points apiece from senior guard Hannah Kash and freshman forward Kaylee Banks, the Pippa Passes squad would roar back to lead 20-15 after ten minutes of action.

In the second quarter, sophomore guard Katie Jo Moore would sink three buckets, and Alice Lloyd would hold a 37-30 advantage with just 1:30 remaining. Unfortunately, the Wilmore club would close with a 7-0 run to tie the score at 37-37 by intermission.

As the third period began, the two combatants would battle point-for-point. Fortunately for the royal blue and white, Kash would pour in 10 more and give her squad a 55-51 lead near the 1:00 mark. However, once again, AU would close with a quick run (5-0) and retake the slim 56-55 cushion.

In the last stanza, ALC would earn their final lead (64-63) at 6:04, following a layup from Moore. Unfortunately, from that juncture, Asbury would roll off a decisive 10-1 spurt over the next three minutes to take their biggest advantage of the night (73-65) and force a Lady Eagle timeout. Although the Caney Creek girls refused to go away, they would get no closer than five as AU held on for the win.

For Alice Lloyd (6-1), Kash led all scorers with 23 points. She was joined in double figures by Banks with 11 and Moore with 10 points.

Sophomore forward Makayla May and sophomore guard Madison Ward both added 9 points, while junior forward Madison Thompson chipped in with 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Kash, Moore, and senior guard Tori Hampton all had 3 assists, while Kash, Thompson, and Hampton each swiped 2 steals.

The Eagles shot 41.2% (21-68) from the field and 12.5% (3-24) from long range. They connected on 72.2% (13-18) from the foul line. They also added 39 rebounds, 13 assists, and 7 steals.

AU (4-2) was paced by Haleigh Releford with 20 points. Her squad finished shooting 43.1% (25-58) from the field and 33.3% (7-21) from deep. They connected on 80% (20-251) from the foul line and also added 32 rebounds, 11 assists, and 8 steals.

The Lady Eagles now get a break from the action until Tuesday, November 29th, when they host the Shawnee State Lady Bears in non-conference play. Tipoff is set for 6:00 pm.