GREENSBORO, N.C - Dominating the game on both ends, the Guilford College women's basketball team accumulated 37 steals defensively, more than any Division-III women's basketball team collected all of last season, while eclipsing the century mark for the first time since 2005 on the offensive end, devastating Meredith College, 104-49 on Jack Jensen Court in the Ragan-Brown Field House in their season-opener on Saturday afternoon.
The Quakers scored 104 points on the day, their highest total since also scoring 104 against Emory & Henry University on December 10th of 2005. They reached that mark in large part due to their 56 points off turnovers created in large part by the 37 thefts that obliterated the previous program record of 28 collected against Hollins on February 3, 2009.
With Guilford's win, their 13th-straight over the Avenging Angels, advance the Quakers' record to 1-0 on the new season and 6-0 in season-openers in the
Sarah Mathews-era. Meanwhile Meredith falls to 0-1 in their first game.
Star standouts for the Quakers were
Skyler Furr (Warrenton, N.C.) with team-high 21 points, half-a-dozen rebounds, including four offensive, and was 8-12 from the field,
Julianna Walter (Taylorsville, N.C.) with 17 points, two rebounds, alongside an assist, and
Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d'Olonne, France) with 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Statistical leaders for the Avenging Angels included Pam Mock with game-high 23 points paired with seven caroms, Danae Hawkins with a baker's dozen in points, and Rylie Wade as the MC rebounding leader with eight. Paris Bethea was also a stat leader in assists with three.
Guilford set the tone early, dominating the first quarter with relentless offensive pressure and suffocating defense, fueled by their ability to capitalize on the Avenging Angels' turnovers. Hawkins opened the game with a 3-pointer for Meredith, giving the team a promising start. However, Guilford quickly countered with a layup from
Courtney McMillan (Lexington, N.C.), who went on to tally ten points and four rebounds, setting the stage for GC. Defensive intensity was a staple of Guilford's play throughout as MC ended with 13 turnovers in quarter one. Walter was pivotal from beyond the arc, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to widen the gap. Her assists to teammates further highlighted her court vision and playmaking skills. Furr was also a defensive anchor, recording two key blocks in the paint alongside six points in the first. Meredith continued to struggle against Guilford's defensive pressure due to the active hands of
Jael Hall (Charlotte, N.C.) and
Briahna Scott (Graham, N.C.). Hall had four steals in Q1, fueling Guilford's transition game. Mock contributed a couple of late jumpers to keep the team within striking distance, but the deficit was glaring, making it 29-9 at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Quakers maintained a comfortable lead over the Avenging Angels. Meredith showed flashes of resilience with Mock leading their scoring efforts, including a solid layup at 9:10 to break Guilford's early momentum. However, Guilford's pressure quickly turned the tide.
Carleigh Perry (Faith, N.C.), with four assists at this time, and Furr took advantage of Meredith's turnovers, with Furr contributing crucial points both from the field and the free-throw line. Despite Meredith's efforts to stay within reach and creating a nine point deficit, highlighted by Mock's consistent scoring and a three-pointer by Hawkins at 4:27, Guilford continued to press on. Bayer had an effective quarter as she provided eight points to GC from free throws and a pair of layups. Although there were efforts from MC, GC advanced their lead, 57-34 at the half.
Guilford's fastbreak game was in full force. Perry and Bayer were fed off of quick transitions, while Furr showcased her scoring ability with multiple layups and a pair of free throws, extending Guilford's advantage to 39 points midway through the third. Rebounds, steals, and free throws were McMillan's go-to's in Q3 while the appearances from
Anaida Datilus (Chantilly, France) and
Hannah Ajayi (Chapel Hill, N.C.) were beneficial with steals and layups. Meredith was only allowed five points in the entire quarter.
The fourth quarter saw a lot of fresh faces from both teams, but
Markayla Massenburg (Raleigh, N.C.) made her mark with eight points in 10:00 minutes of play including a crucial three-pointer, assisted from Hall, pushing their lead to over 50 points. Hall was great, contributing with accurate jumpers and layups, including a fastbreak and-1 that extended the lead to 54 points. Datilus put in her two cents with steals, a couple of rebounds, and a pair of free throws. With around 19:00 minutes of play,
Ashtyn Zeigler (Mooresville, N.C.) was added back into the mix to be the floor general and finished with six points and four rebounds. Even though the score didn't reflect on how hard Meredith played, Guilford leveled their competition, 104-49.
The Quakers are on the road next to battle against the Falcons of Pfeiffer University on Tuesday, November 12th at 5 PM in a non-conference matchup.
#GoQuakes
