Women’s Basketball Overpowers WVU Tech on the Road
BECKLEY W. Va. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team (2-3) traveled to face West Virginia Tech (2-1) on Saturday, November 8, where it took an 84-61 win.
In the first quarter at 6:29 left on the clock, West Virginia Tech took its largest lead in the game with a score of 12-8. However, MVNU responded quickly with a three-point shot with 5:40 left on the clock by Anna Swisshelm, putting MVNU ahead 13-12. The Lady Cougars would carry a steady lead throughout the rest of the first quarter. West Virginia Tech tied it up at 21-21 with 0:11 on the clock, but Kylie Leibacher made two free throws, ending the first quarter with a score of 23-21. In the second quarter, MVNU continued to grow its lead. The Lady Cougars reached a ten-point lead over the Golden Bears with a score of 44-34, after Angela Roshak's two free throws ended the second quarter.
MVNU maintained its lead throughout the third quarter. West Virginia Tech narrowed MVNU's lead at 5:06 on the clock, putting the score at 55-42. Swisshelm would end the quarter making a free throw and putting the Lady Cougars ahead again by twenty points with a score of 68-48. Swisshelm contributed 12 out of the 24 points the Lady Cougars scored in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter with 5:11 left on the clock, Melodie Blubaugh made a layup, which extended the Lady Cougars to their highest lead of the game, thirty points, with a score of 81-51. At the end of the fourth quarter, West Virginia Tech tried to close the lead down, but MVNU would finish on top with a score of 84-61.
Swisshelm led the Lady Cougar offense with 28 points, reaching her career-high in points. Swisshelm also added seven rebounds and was 11 of 13 from the field. Roshak came away with 17 points, two blocks, five assists, and led the team with 11 rebounds. Lily Shepherd had 12 points, two steals, five assists, and went four for four at the free throw line.
MVNU shot 49.1% from the field, 37% (10-27) from beyond the arc, and 90% at the free throw line. MVNU moved the basketball around effectively, finishing with 25 assists. The Lady Cougars came away with 41 rebounds compared to 35 for Tech.
Coach VanHoose's Thoughts
"Proud of how the team bounced back and executed today. We shared the ball very well with five assists and were able to get a lot of players on the board. Looking forward to growing off this win and continue to get better."
What's Next
MVNU will return to Ariel Arena on Friday, November 14 to host Kentucky Christian University for homecoming weekend. Tip-off will start at 5:00 p.m.
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.