GC Pride Women Fall In NCAA Tournament to Thomas More

CRESTVIEW HILLS, KY – The Greensboro College Pride women’s team had their 2014-2015 season come to an end on Friday evening in the first round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Pride women traveled to Crestview Hills, Kentucky to take on the nation’s top ranked team in the Saints of Thomas More. Greensboro hung tough in the early going, but could not overcome the Saints falling 83-61.

Thomas More jumped out to an early, 11-4; lead just two minutes into the contest before Greensboro used an 10-4 run over the next five minutes of play to pull with a 15-14 margin. Senior Shanita Hampton got the run started for the Pride with her second three ball of the day before back to back layups by Syerra Troutman and Alicia Burr pulled Greensboro to within one point.

Once Greensboro pulled to within one, the Saints were able to pull away over the half’s final ten minutes to take a 58-29 lead into the break.

Just over halfway through the second period of play, Greensboro used a 10-2 run with pull within fourteen points at 71-57 but could not get any closer before falling by the 83-61 mark. Shanita Hampton, Tiffani Stephens, Kamerin Williams, and Alicia Burr each recorded a bucket for Greensboro during the run.

“We got off to a slow start and we were not able to recover,” Pride Head Coach Randy Tuggle said following the game. “Even though we got down big early, our girls made some adjustments in the second half and never gave up.”

Tuggle continued to say, “I know that the team and I are disappointed that the season has come to an end, but I am extremely proud of each and every one of them for winning the conference regular season and conference tournament championships.”

Shanita Hampton led the way for the Pride with a team high 21 points on 7 of 10 shooting. Joslyn Spires and Alicia Burr each recorded eight points on the day with Vontreece Hayes adding seven.

Vontreece Hayes pulled down a team high eight rebounds on the day.

With the loss, the Pride women finish their season with a 24-5 overall mark. The 24 wins this season marks the fourth time in just six seasons Tuggle’s teams have surpassed the 20 win total. For the latest on Greensboro College women’s basketball and the rest of Pride Athletics, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.