MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State fell behind early on Monday evening against Chattanooga State, before mounting a comeback. However, that comeback fell short as the Lady Senators dropped a 69-60 contest.
With the loss, the Lady Senators fell to 7-6 overall and 4-2 in TCCAA play.
"We just fell behind too much early on and couldn't overcome it," Walters State coach Jasmin Coleman said. "We have to get off to a better start, so we're not playing catch up for the entire game. We just have to go back to work quickly and get ready to go for two more games this week."
The Lady Senators were led in the game by Asia Barr with 16 points, while Kristyna Boyd added 14. Other scorers in the game for Walters State were Briontanay Marshall with nine, Kyra Perkins with eight, Janae Charles with six, Juilenne Ongbagnamen with five, and Emmanuella Amaefula with two.
The Lady Senators scored the first two points of the game on a basket by Marshall, however, Chattanooga State would score the next nine straight to take an early lead. Amaefulla stopped the bleeding with a bucket, but Chattanooga State scored nine more to lead, 18-4. The Lady Senators got a free throw from Boyd and a three by Perkins to cut the lead, but Chattanooga State scored the last six points of the quarter and led, 25-8.
In the second, the Lady Senators defense took control as Walters State began to play their way back into the game. With 3:30 to go and the score 34-15, the Lady Senators rallied off five points on a basket by Boyd, free throw by Marshall and basket by Perkins. Chatt State broke the run with a basket, but the Lady Senators scored the final four points of the half and trailed 36-24.
In the third quarter, Chattanooga State hit a three to start but Walters State made their move. It started with a Marshall basket and two free throws from Boyd. Boyd got fouled again on the next trip down the floor and made one free throw, but Perkins got an offensive rebound off the second one and threw it out to Barr at the 3-point line. Barr drilled the shot and it was a 39-32 game.
Following a Chattanooga State timeout, the Lady Senators continued to push as Boyd scored again to make it 39-34. The two teams traded baskets for the next few minutes from there before a late run gave Chattanooga State a 50-42 lead going to the fourth.
Walters State had their chances in the fourth, as a Barr three with eight minutes left cut the deficit to seven again. However, Chatt State closed strong late and held on for the win.
Up Next:
Walters State will be back in action on Wednesday as they travel to Roane State. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m.
Rob Harvey
Walters State Community College
Sports Information Director
Cell: (423) 779-8880
Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu
Website: www.ws.edu/athletics