Randolph-Macon Upends Women’s Basketball at Home
McMillan & Bayer stand out despite loss against Yellow Jackets
from Reagan Hune, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d’Olonne, France) and Courtney McMillan (Lexington, N.C.) with a combined 24 points not enough for the Guilford College women’s basketball team as they were defeated by Randolph-Macon College, 71-53 on Wednesday night in the Ragan-Brown Field House on Jack Jensen Court.
In their 66th meeting, Guilford fell to 9-4 overall and 3-2 in conference action while Randolph-Macon maintained their series dominance at 43-23 and improved to an 11-1 overall record, including 4-0 in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play.
Stat leaders for the Quakers were McMillan with a dozen points, went 6-of-8 from the free throw line, a steal, and a block, Bayer also scoring 12 alongside shooting .60 from the field, and Briahna Scott (Graham, N.C.) who had eight points.
Key contributors for the Yellow Jackets included Catherine Kagey who ended with 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, Juliana Park with 17 points and went 6-of-10 from the floor, as well as McKenzie Matheny ending with 14 points, eight rebounds, and a couple of blocks.
Park was instrumental for RMC, contributing nine points, including two three-pointers, and adding a steal and assists while teammate Kagey went to work inside with eight points, multiple rebounds, and a rejection in the first quarter. Bayer kept GC alive with eight points along with Taylor Dunn (Charlotte, N.C.) providing a spark off the bench with a three-point play. Markayla Massenburg (Raleigh, N.C.) added a key layup and a steal late in the quarter. Despite their efforts, Guilford struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities, allowing Randolph-Macon to maintain control in quarter one, 21-15.
For the Yellow Jackets, it was Sam Smith, who contributed a three-pointer early in the quarter, and Kagey, who displayed versatility with assists, defensive rebounds, and a fast-break layup, that stood out. Erin Porter also added a crucial layup in the paint. McMillan, who scored multiple points in the paint and was active on free throws, battled in the second. Scott made significant contributions with a layup and an assist to help narrow the gap, while Julianna Walter (Taylorsville, N.C.) and Dunn put their two cents in with layups and freebies from the charity stripe. RMC lead going into the half 38-30.
The third quarter saw Randolph-Macon extend their lead over Guilford with the help of Kagey, adding key free throws and a layup to push the lead to double digits. Matheny bodied down low, scoring multiple layups and snagged a few rebounds. Guilford fought back with key contributions from Walter and Skyler Furr (Warrenton, N.C.), who ended with two blocks, and combined for fast-break points as well as an assist to cut the deficit briefly. Dunn also added a jumper to keep GC within striking distance. However, Randolph-Macon’s ball movement and assists stemming from Smith and Morgan Miller, allowed them to maintain their advantage. Park’s late three capped off the third, giving the Yellow Jackets a 13-point lead heading into the final frame.
Smith opened the fourth with a steal and an and-one layup, while Matheny and Kagey made their contributions. Bella Bruce also made her presence felt late, adding points in the paint. Guilford made attempts to rally with McMillan scoring consistently at the free-throw line and Scott hitting a three-pointer. Bayer added a jumper to narrow the gap momentarily, with Walter dishing to her teammates on several plays. However, Guilford lost the overall rebound battle, came short on the second-chance points, and had less points off of turnovers, sealing the Randolph-Macon victory, 71-53.
GC heads North to face Eastern Mennonite University on Friday, Jan. 10th instead of Saturday the 11th due to inclement weather. Tip-off is TBD.
#GoQuakes