Guilford College Women’s Basketball Stays Perfect with Dominant Win Over Southern Virginia
Quakers surge in the second quarter to secure their second consecutive 4-0 start and extend their streak against USA South opponents.
from Angel Maldonado, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Guilford College women’s basketball team extended their unbeaten streak, securing an 82-65 win over Southern Virginia University at Ragan-Brown Field House.
This marks Guilford’s second consecutive 4-0 start to a season and their 14 straight victory against a USA South opponent.
Leading the Quaker’s dominant performance was Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d’Olonne, France), who delivered a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-16 from the field and added six steals on the defensive end. Courtney McMillan (Lexington, N.C.) followed with a 19-point performance, shooting 7-12. The senior also added five rebounds and five steals. Briahna Scott (Graham, N.C.) contributed with ten points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Jael Hall (Charlotte, N.C.) contributed with ten points, one steal and one rebound. Julianna Walter (Taylorsville, N.C.) notched a nine-point performance with four steals, three rebounds and three assists.
Standouts for the Knights included Ruth Kempler who led the team with 20 points, shooting 10-13 from the field. Abigail Snyder contributed with 18 points, shooting 60% from the field while amounting 11 rebounds and four assists. Addison Newman notched a ten-point performance alongside three steals and two rebounds.
The game began with a defensive battle, as both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm. Guilford trailed 12-10 at the end of the first quarter, as Abigail Snyder and Ruth Kempler combined for eight points and kept the Quakers off-balanced with aggressive play in the paint. The Quakers managed just 17.6% shooting in the open period, despite a strong defensive effort that forced seven turnovers.
In the second quarter, GC flipped the script with a dominant performance on both ends of the floor. The Quakers outscored the Knights 28-10, ignited by an explosive 57.1% shooting effort. McMillan and Bayer scored critical layups off turnovers early on in the quarter, giving Guilford their first lead at 14-12. Scott and Walter added key baskets in transition, while Carleigh Perry (Faith, N.C.) connected on a three-pointer, from a beautiful dish by Markayla Massenburg (Raleigh, N.C.), to extend the lead. By halftime, GC held a commanding 38-22 lead.
Going into the second half, Guilford continued to apply pressure. Bayer and McMillan combined for several key baskets, including a fast-break layup by Bayer following a steal, pushing the lead to 18. Kempler fought back with eight points in the quarter, but GC’s defense remained relentless, forcing four turnovers and six steals. A three-pointer and a layup from Skyler Furr (Warrenton, N.C.) capped off the quarter, giving the Quakers a 56-37 lead heading into the final quarter.
Southern Virginia mounted a late push in the fourth quarter, accumulating 28 points, led by Snyder and Kempler. However, Guilford’s composure at the charity stripe and timely defensive stops kept the Knights at Bay. Hall added valuable points in the closing moments of the game and Bayer sealed the deal, with a final free throw, to close the game out at 82-65.
The Quakers dominated in many categories, outsourcing the Knights 50-40 in the paint and converting 30 points off turnovers. Guilford’s depth was in full display, with 19 points coming from the bench.
The Quakers look to keep their winning streak alive as they prepare to face cross-town rival Greensboro College at the First Horizon Coliseum on Wednesday, November 20, at 5:30 PM. The first 1,000 fans will receive free admission, and parking will be available at no charge.
#GoQuakes