Bryan College's Women's Team traveled to Lebanon, TN to take on the Cumberland University Phoenix Thursday, October 24th. This was the first game under a new man at the helm, Coach Matt Bollant. Bollant had been at Bryan previously and seen great success in his five years on The Hill. This trend continued Thursday as the women closed out a tough Cumberland squad, 56-49. 

As the score suggests, defense was a big priority for both teams in this contest. The Lady Lions were provided a spark off the bench by Sophomore Ayanna Kinnard. Kinnard would end up leading the visitors in scoring with 13 points. The sophomore was super aggressive and saw success taking it to the rack against a tough defensive front posed by the Phoenix. It was close the whole way but Bryan would never lose the lead and enter the half up 26-19. Senior Torie Brooks led all scorers at the half with 8 points. 

Junior Kadee Ferrell made her presence felt on both sides of the floor for the Lady Lions. Ferrell was all over the glass and provided defense from the forward spot, notching three steals. Cumberland's Ever Walker and Emaleigh Tarpley tried to keep the Phoenix in it with 14 and 12 points respectively. Ultimately, Cumberland just could not get a bucket when they most needed it. On the other side, every time Bryan needed a stop or a loose ball, they got it. It proved to be the difference in the game and the Lady Lions earned their first win of the new season. 

Top Performers

Bryan

Ayanna Kinnard: 13 Pts

Kadee Ferrell: 12 Pts, 9 Reb, 3 Stl

Autumn Davis: 11 Pts, 2 Stl

Torie Brooks: 10 Pts, 5 Ast

Cumberland

Ever Walker: 14 Pts

Emaleigh Tarpley: 12 Pts, 13 Reb

Looking Forward: The Lady Lions head to The University of the Cumberlands to take on a Nationally Ranked Patriots Squad. The Game is on 10/28 in Williamsburg, KY.