Bayer Delivers While Women’s Basketball Smothers William Peace
A pair of Quakers in double-figures in victory over Pacers
from Reagan Hune, Guilford College Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d’Olonne, France) set the tone by shooting 60 percent from the field, recording five steals, and blocking two shots, while teammate Jael Hall (Charlotte, N.C.) contributed 12 points and an impressive 4-5 performance from the free-throw line as the Guilford College women’s basketball team defeated William Peace University 67-50 on Jack Jensen Court in the Ragan-Brown Field House on Friday night.
After playing each other for the 13th time in history, GC leads this series 11-2.
The Quakers rise to a 8-1 record on the season, remaining at 2-1 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) as the Pacers fall to a 1-7 mark, staying at 0-2 in the USA South (USAS). Due to this win, the Quakers secure their 16th win in-a-row versus USAS opponents.
Standouts for Guilford included Bayer with a dozen points and five assists, Hall was the team’s second-leading scorer and went 4-6 from the field in 16 minutes, while Briahna Scott (Graham, N.C.) made her mark as she contributed nine points, five rebounds, and recorded two swats.
Key contributors for William Peace were Brene’a Daye with game-high 14 points, three rebounds, four steals, and was 6-7 from the line while teammate Zikira Henderson contributed a baker’s dozen in points followed by four boards, four steals, and went 5-6 from the free-throw line.
Guilford took an early edge, leading 19-15 by the end of the quarter, thanks to efforts from Bayer and Carleigh Perry (Faith, N.C.). For WPU, Henderson led the charge, scoring consistently and keeping her team within striking distance. Daye also made her presence felt with strong drives to the basket and solid free-throw shooting. Both teams struggled with turnovers, but Guilford’s ability to capitalize on opportunities helped secure their slight lead going into the second quarter.
The second quarter saw GC extend their lead over WPU. The quarter began with back-to-back layups by Bayer and Scott, highlighting their ability to capitalize on fast breaks and control the paint. Hall added impactful points late in the quarter, including a jumper, layup, and free throws to maintain the lead. Henderson displayed hustle with defensive rebounds, a steal, and a late layup, while Kamdyn Lakey and Ja’Naisja Baker each hit three-pointers to cut into the deficit briefly. Guilford’s ability to force turnovers and control the tempo with fast-break opportunities was crucial, leading to a 38–24 advantage at halftime.
GC was hot out the gate as Scott’s early three-pointer ignited the Quakers while contributions from Markayla Massenburg (Raleigh, N.C.) and Bayer continued to push momentum. Bayer’s late three-pointer was assisted by Anna Giannopoulou (Athens, Greece) who made her first appearance this season as she’s returning from an injury and recorded five rebounds and three points in 12 minutes. Perry was instrumental defensively, securing multiple rebounds and facilitating plays with assists. Brittany Blackburn contributed with free throws while Allye Woodruff stepped up, ending the quarter with a 54-31 advantage in favor of GC.
Hannah Ajayi (Chapel Hill, N.C.) and Madey Briggs (Sandy Ridge, N.C.) chimed in as Ajayi gave efforts at the line alongside Briggs dishing it out to teammates on top of earning points in the paint. Guilford finished the game with a 67-50 victory, showcasing their depth and ability to control the pace in the closing minutes.
Guilford ventures to Buies Creek, NC to face Campbell University in an exhibition match right before the holidays on Monday, December 16th. Tip-off is set to be at 11:30 a.m.
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