Lady Cougars Fall in Final Seconds to (RV) Jaguars
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team (1-1) began play in the Chick-Fil-A Classic, hosted by Olivet Nazarene University against (RV) Governors State University (1-0) on Friday, October 31.
MVNU opened the game on a 4-0 run and finished the first quarter with a 15-12 lead over the Jaguars. Governors State showed why it was an NAIA Final Four program last season as it put together a big second quarter. The Jaguars outscore the Lady Cougars 28-15 in the quarter and took a 40-30 lead into the break.
MVNU responded after halftime with great energy and effort in what was a very physical battle in the second half. MVNU won the third quarter 19-12 and a three from Lily Shepherd as time expired cut the GSU lead to just three entering the fourth. The Jaguars found themselves up 66-59 with 2:28 left in the game, but the Lady Cougars stormed back. Melodie Blubaugh drained a three to cut the lead to four and then followed up a miss with a layup on the next Lady Cougar possession to bring MVNU within two at 64-66 with just 1:37 left. After a stop of defense, Angela Roshak tied the game at 66 with a layup with 51 seconds remaining on the clock.
After getting a stop, GSU drew a foul with just four seconds remaining. The Jaguars split the pair at the line, taking a 67-66 lead. MVNU got a shot off in the final seconds to win the game, but was unable to convert, falling by one in a very hard-fought battle.
Kylie Leibacher led MVNU with 22 points and five rebounds. Shepherd scored 15 points off the bench to go with four rebounds. Anna Swisshelm scored 11 points while grabbing one rebound and coming away with a steal. Roshak finished with seven points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Lady Cougars.
Coach VanHoose's Thoughts
"Very thankful we had the opportunity to play a team like Governors State this early in the season. For us as a team to get where we want to be as a program we have to play against this level of basketball. Even though we came up short tonight, I am proud of our team's fight and growth in the game. We will grow and become stronger from this game."
What's Next
MVNU concludes the Chick-Fil-A Classic on Saturday, November 1 at (RV) Olivet Nazarene University. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. EST.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.