GREENSBORO, N.C. - Julianna Walter (Taylorsville, N.C.),
Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d'Olonne, France), and
Courtney McMillan (Lexington, N.C.) scored in double figures, while every Quaker that touched the floor scored as the Guilford College women's basketball team devasted the University of Lynchburg, 82-52 on Jack Jensen Court in the Ragan-Brown Field House on Saturday afternoon.
This win boosted Guilford's series record against Lynchburg to 45-15 and resulted in a 12-8 overall season record for the Quakers, 6-5 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) while the Hornets declined to a 6-12 record, 3-8 in the ODAC.
Studs for the Quakers included Walter with 14 points, four assists, and two steals, Bayer with ten points, going 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, and McMillan leaving with ten points, 3-for-4 from the field, 4-for-5 from the charity stripe, and three steals.
Anna Giannopoulou (Athens, Greece) and
Taylor Dunn (Charlotte, N.C.) scored nine a piece with Giannopoulou snatching seven boards and a block while Dunn got three steals.
Leaders for Lynchburg were Bree Spainhour with team-high 13 points, a half-a-dozen boards, and three assists, Olivia Harris with 12 points, went 5-14 from the field, and had three steals, while teammate Kate Littlejohn also scored 12 points with a block and a steal.
The first quarter was a competitive battle between Guilford and Lynchburg, with Guilford taking an early edge.
Briahna Scott (Graham, N.C.) made key contributions for GC, scoring the team's opening points and adding another layup to help maintain the lead. Walter was a standout, hitting a three-pointer and making impactful plays on both ends of the floor while Bayer added valuable points in the paint. Littlejohn kept the game honest with strong shooting, including a clutch three-pointer and free throws. Harris also contributed with multiple layups while Audra Petty was active on the boards and effective from the free-throw line. The quarter ended with Guilford ahead, 24-17.
In the second,
Jael Hall (Charlotte, N.C.) contributed with strong free-throw shooting and a crucial three-pointer while Walter played a pivotal role with assists and late-quarter scoring.
Skyler Furr (Warrenton, N.C.) and Bayer added to GC's offensive strength with efficient plays in the paint. As for the team stat sheet, the Quakers scored ten points down low in the second quarter. On the defensive end,
Markayla Massenburg (Raleigh, N.C.) and Scott made significant blocks to maintain momentum. Lynchburg fought back with notable efforts from Spainhour and Kate Littlejohn contributed with key defensive plays and a layup. Despite Lynchburg's best attempts, Guilford's relentless offense and tight defense allowed them to outscore Lynchburg and maintain a commanding 50-27 lead by the end of the first half.
Out of the half, Guilford dominated, extending their lead through strong performances by McMillan and
Carleigh Perry (Faith, N.C.), who had four steals and five boards. Dunn and Bayer added key three-pointers while Spainhour, Lettie Michael, and Kacey Kelly contributed offensively. However, turnovers and fouls hindered their comeback efforts. The Quakers earned nine points off of second-chance points during this quarter. Guilford's efficient play secured a solid lead heading into the final quarter, 70-43.
Guilford maintained their stature in the fourth, advancing their lead with key contributions from
Anaida Datilus (Chantilly, France), Massenburg, and Giannopoulou, who combined for critical layups and assists. The Quakers ended up with 12 bench points compared to the Hornets' three. Spainhour provided a brief offensive spark, but turnovers and missed shots hindered their momentum. Harris and Kayla Sledge also added points for the Hornets. Despite their efforts, Guilford's consistent scoring and defensive pressure secured a decisive 82-52 victory.
The next quest for the Quakers will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5th at 7 p.m. against Hollins University in Roanoke, Va. to continue ODAC play.
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