MIDWAY, Ky. - The Midway women's basketball team finished with an exemplary display of basketball, pressuring their opponents throughout its game, resulting in a wire-to-wire, 75-37 victory over River States Conference foe Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saturday.
The Eagle defense was dominant throughout, forcing 39 turnovers, the most they've forced in a game since their 40 takeaways in a 92-55 win over Campbellsville Harrodsburg on Nov. 9, 2021.
A'Lyrica Hughes and Alexys Moore both had four steals to lead a defense that is now ninth in the NAIA with 25.8 takeaways per-game.
Midway started the game on a strong note in the first quarter by turning over the opponents and scoring in quick succession. Jacie Chesser started the scoring with a fast-break layup, and the Eagles took momentum in the game thanks to their efficient ball movement and transition game. Hughes added some finishing touches in the paint while Alexis Taylor and Morgan Cross gave the team a boost from the bench. The Eagles ended the first quarter on a roll and took a lead of 26-9.
The Eagles continued their pressure into the second quarter and further extended their lead with their 3-point shooting and defensive pressure. Jermyra Christian converted a 3-pointer and followed with a fast break layup, while Hughes contributed with a triple of her own. Depth was evident for Midway with Paige Medley sinking a 3-pointer and a layup off a steal. The Eagles held a commanding 40-13 lead at the end of the half.
The intensity of the third quarter played on as Midway came out of the break equally fierce. Trinity Johnson started the half with a 3-pointer, and the Eagles maintained their dominance on the fast break. Heleina John scored effectively in the lane, Moore made a three-pointer and Medley finished the quarter with another 3. Solid defense and sound scoring elevated the lead for the Eagles to 61-22 after three quarters.
During the fourth quarter, Midway demonstrated maturity by rotating players. Jenna Phelps and Morgan Cross contributed from down low, Annabelle Babb contributed from the free throw line, and Lauren Walton made a jumper towards the end of the quarter. Midway dominated the boards and closed a compelling victory with exceptional effort from all four quarters, and the final score was 75-37.
The offensive success came despite not one single player scoring in double figures. Hughes and Alexis Taylor both had nine points while Jermyra Christian has seven point six assists.
The Eagles have won four in a row, improving to 13-5 overall with a 4-2 mark in the RSC. will look to build on the win as they go against West Virginia Tech on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Marshall Gymnasium.
