SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Dave Kragel took one more step forward in his quest for 1,000 coaching victories as he led the Walters State women over Spartanburg Methodist, 64-51 Sunday.
The Lady Senators (8-4) controlled the game from the opening tip-off, with Paris Mullins tapping in a layup just eight seconds into the contest. A hoop and harm on Spartanburg's Ta'Keria Legette and a layup from Jayla Hopkins gave them an early 5-2 lead, but WSCC wouldn't let them keep it long. Blayre Shutlz hit a layup and Jamya Rogers tossed in a jumper to begin the opening half see-saw as the team's traded the lead back and forth over the next two minutes.
Walters State took command for good on a Shutlz layup at 5:30 and built a 19-12 first quarter lead after Shultz nailed a three with 1:20 to go. Shultz would end the game with 16 points.
The Pioneers bounced back in the second, but WSCC didn't slow down. They outscored Spartanburg Methodist tin all four quarters in spite of the Pioneers' ability to hang around for the full 40 minutes.
Rogers led Walters State with 18 points. Mullins recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Pioneers got 12 points from Hopkins and 11 from Aliyah Whiteside.
ROAD TO 1,000
The win puts coach Dave Kragel's career victories total at 997, just three away from 1,000.
NEXT UP
The Lady Senators will return home to 'Z' Buda Gymnasium Tuesday night to host Catawba Valley Community College with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.