WEST LIBERTY – Glenville State's #1 ranked Lady Pioneers kept their undefeated streak alive Wednesday night, fighting off a strong West Liberty squad to earn a hard fought 92-83 road victory. It was the second consecutive Wednesday in which Glenville has recorded a quality league road win.
This one was anything but easy. Consider these team stats from West Liberty;
Coach Kyle Cooper's Hilltoppers shot 32-of-56 from the field (57.1%), and 11-12 from the foul line (91.7%). The 'Toppers also led in team rebounding 37-36, only the fourth time this season that the Lady Pioneers have been outrebounded.
GSC on the other hand, did not have their best night shooting. They were 35-of-82 from the field (42.7%), and only connected on six three-pointers, four below their average.
So how did Coach Stephens' squad top ranked squad pull this one out?
Stephens has been preaching defensive energy to this group all season, and Wednesday night it was again the difference. They forced 30 West Liberty turnovers, and turned those into 29 points on the other end. GSC recorded several key steals in a critical second quarter run, and was able to take a high volume charging fouls in the second half. The result was more possessions, and going +26 in shots attempted on the evening.
West Liberty led in the first half. They held a 23-20 advantage after one quarter, but Glenville forged ahead early on the second frame. The Lady Pioneers held a 49-45 lead at intermission. The lead was cut to one twice early in the third quarter at 49-48 and 51-50, but GSC responded with an 8-0 run, to gain a 59-50 lead that they would never relinquish.
Still, West Liberty would not go away. With the lead at 74-65 with seven minutes remaining, Re'Shawna Stone scored five points in rapid fire succession, draining a three, then grabbing a steal and putting in a layup. The result was a 79-65 lead with 6:34 remaining. Down 14, West Liberty would still cut the deficit to five points at 84-79…but this would be the last gasp for the Hilltoppers. Glenville made the plays down the stretch to close the issue.
Stone led all scorers with 31 points, and also posted a team-high four steals. She was complemented a balanced group of scorers; Zakiyah Winfield with 12, Dazha Congleton 10, Taychaun Hubbard nine, and Abby Stoller and Tyesha Taylor with eight each. Winfield and Stoller were the team leaders in rebounds with six and five respectively, while Taylor and Skylar Davidson each connected on two three-pointers.
Audrey Tingle led West Liberty with 26 points, followed by Karly McCutcheon with 19 an Bailee Smith with 17.
Glenville improves to 21-0 overall and 16-0 in the MEC. West Liberty falls to 16-7 overall, and 11-6 in the league.
GSC returns home on Saturday, hosting Wheeling University. It will be a designated "Pink Game" as the Lady Pioneers and all of the Pioneer Nation will be showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Tip-off is set for 1:00 on the Waco Center's McPherson Court.
