MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State opened up their 2022 slate of games with a bang on Tuesday evening, taking down Patrick & Henry Community College, 105-41.

With the win, Walters State improves to 8-4 on the season. The 105 points were the most points scored by the Lady Senators since Nov. 18, 2018 when they scored 111 points against Patrick & Henry. 

It was a slow start for the Lady Senators who led just 15-10 after one. However, Walters State outscored Patrick & Henry 90-31 the rest of the way.

"We were able to just make shots (after the first quarter)," Walters State coach Jasmin Coleman said. "I told them in the locker room that we were playing good defense but were missing easy shots. The second half they really stepped up and made some shots." 

The Lady Senators were led by Kiera Hill who tallied 31 points. It's her first game this season with over 30 points, and she is now tied for seventh in the NJCAA in points per game, averaging just over 20. 

Along with Hill, Ryann Woodley was solid with 13 points. Woodley has really taken a step forward in year two with the Lady Senators at the point guard position. 

"She is really starting to turn the corner," Coleman said. "Sometimes it takes kids a little longer to get a feel for how we play. A few weeks before Christmas, it really started to click for Ryann. She is buying in. Tonight, she shot the ball well which is something she has consistently been doing since we have been back." 

Other scorers in the game for Walters State were Izarria Alexander with 16, Rose Morrow with six, Matty Tanner with seven, Tyasia Reed with six, Maiya Reed with six, Elizabeth Chambers with five, Akiraona Steverson with two and Germariona Hollingsworth with 13. 

In total, all 10 Lady Senators on the roster got into the game and scored, something that Coleman was really encouraged to see.

"That's a confidence builder," Coleman said. "We just have to build off it. I was proud of Matty Tanner tonight, especially. She played really hard tonight. She's a confidence type of player and smart player, and I hope she is able to build off this game and carry it over." 

While the offense was explosive, it was the defensive effort that really stood out. The Lady Senators got turnover after turnover, leading to easy buckets on the other end. 

"I wanted all of them to get up and apply pressure on and off the ball," Coleman said. "They were able to do that. I want to see that continue into next week in conference play." 

While the total score was large for Walters State, it didn't start that way as they struggled out of the gate. The Lady Senators made just six field goals in the first 10 minutes, but a Tanner 3-pointer right before the end of the first put them up 15-10. 

In the second quarter, the Lady Senators got things going as Hill and Alexander scored the first eight points. After a made bucket from Patrick & Henry, Walters State scored 10 straight points, four coming from Woodley, as they built the lead to 33-12. 

The scoring would continue from there as the Lady Senators totaled 28 points and led 43-22 at the break. 

The third quarter was all Hill and Hollingsworth as the two scored 19 of the Lady Senators 30 points. Midway through the quarter, Hill scored five straight points before making way for Hollingsworth who scored eight straight and 10 of the last 12 points in the quarter. In the third as well, Chambers hit a three while Tanner scored four. 

The fourth quarter was more of the same for the Lady Senators as they made mass subs throughout. Maiya Reed got them over the century mark with a 3-pointer while Hollingsworth closed it out with a three of her own.

UP NEXT: 

Walters State will be back in action again next Wednesday as they take on Roane State at home. The Lady Senators currently sit in first place in the conference with a 6-0 record. 

Tip for next Wednesday is set for 5:30 p.m. 

"We just need to get back into conditioning from the break," Coleman said. "This team is tough enough to get back and work and prepare for Roane State.

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics