Late run leads Lady Senators over Columbia State

COLUMBIA, TN – Tied at 43 with just over four minutes to play, Walters State ended Saturday's contest against Columbia State on an 11-2 run as the Lady Senators prevailed, 54-45. 

With the win, Walters State improved to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in TCCAA play. 

The Lady Senators led 39-35 heading to the fourth quarter but Columbia State tied the game at 43 with 4:15 left. Needing an answer, Kristyna Boyd made a layup to give Walters State the lead back. Following a stop by the Lady Senators defense, Lia Wright drilled a 3-pointer. Asia Barr then took a charge and Boyd scored again to make it 50-43. 

The run concluded as Kyra Perkins drilled a 3-pointer with 1:54 to go and Barr made a free throw with under a minute left. Columbia scored with two seconds remaining but it was too late. 

Boyd led the way for Walters State with her second double-double of the season, totaling 15 points and 11 rebounds. Along with Boyd, Wright had her best game of the season with 14 points and four rebounds in 32 minutes of action. Barr played all 40 minutes and had nine points and 11 assists. 

Other contributors for Walters State included Kyra Perkins with 11 points, Juilenne Ongbagnamen with three points and eight rebounds and Briontanay Marshall with two points.

As a team, the Lady Senators assisted on 17 of 19 made shots and grabbed 30 rebounds. Walters State shot 10-16 from the free throw line. Defensively, Walters State held Columbia State to just 14 made shots and forced 15 turnovers. 

Walters State started the game strong with 16 points in the opening 10 minutes, leading 16-9 after one quarter. Barr had eight points, draining two 3-pointers, in the opening quarter while all five starters scored. 

In the second, Boyd took over for Walters State as she scored 10 of their 13 points in the quarter. Wright scored the other three, and Walters State led 29-24 at the half. 

Columbia State kept chipping away in the third, but Walters State held them back as they led 39-35 going to the final quarter. Wright had six points in the third, while Perkins had the other four points. 

In the fourth, Columbia State finally completed the comeback as they tied the game at 41 and then 43. However, that is when Walters State went on their run and ended the game strong. 

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action next Saturday as they travel to take on Spartanburg Methodist. Tip is set for 2 p.m. The Lady Senators won the earlier game between the two teams, 78-52.

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics