Box Score Athens, W.Va. – Glenville State's Lady Pioneers closed out their highly successful 2023 regular season, defeating a spirited Concord squad on their Senior Day, 86-81. Coach
Kim Stephens' team had clinched the MEC regular season title on Wednesday night with a win over Charleston, but this hard-fought win in Athens enabled the Lady Pioneers to close them to finish 26-2 and go into the MEC Tournament with 11-game winning streak.
Glenville started fast Saturday, racing to a quick 9-0 lead in the first two minutes; immediate three-pointers were drained by
Hya Haywood,
Breanna Campbell, and
Aline Fevrier. Concord came back strong, cutting the deficit to 23-21 by the end of the first quarter. The teams traded lead changes in the second quarter, and by halftime, they were deadlocked at 40-40.
With the score tied at 45-45 early in the third quarter, Glenville embarked on an 11-0 surge, pushing to a 56-45 advantage. They carried this into a 64-55 lead going into the fourth quarter. Concord battled back down the stretch, and the deficit down to four at 82-78 in the final two minutes. But Glenville was able to make the plays in the final moments to secure the tough win.
Haywood was key throughout the day, hitting big shots during every key run. She closed the day with 32 points. This included three three-pointers and an 11-of-12 day from the line.
Mickayla Perdue was the only Lady Pioneer in double figures, tallying 10 points. She was followed closely by Campbell and
Skylar Davidson with nine each, and Fevrier eight. Campbell posted a team-high four rebounds, with
Kamiyah Lyons leading the press with a team-high seven steals.
Jaiasah Smith led Concord with 25 points. She was complemented by Maddie Ratcliff and Abbie Smith with 13 each.
Concord shot a blistering 52.6% from the floor (30-of-57), while Glenville was 37.5% (27-of-72). This was covered by GSU connecting on 20-of-24 free throws (83.3%), and by forcing 24 Mountain Lion turnovers. Concord won the rebounding battle 38-36.
Glenville closes their campaign 26-2, and 20-2 in the MEC. Concord closes 12-16, and 9-13.
Glenville now moves on next week's MEC Tournament in Wheeling.
