Lady Senators' relentless defense leads to 51-38 win over Columbia State

MORRISTOWN, TN – Walters State have been ramping up their defensive effort over the past few weeks and Saturday afternoon was another step in the right direction.

Taking on Columbia State, the Lady Senators held the Chargers to just 38 points as they took a 51-38 win.

With the victory, Walters State improved to 13-6 overall and 10-2 in TCCAA play. It was their sixth-straight win. 

The 38 points was the third lowest point total by Columbia State this season. Nisea Burrell is second in the conference in points per game at 18, but Walters State held her to just 11 on Saturday. 

"We've been playing really hard these last few games," Walters State coach Jasmin Coleman said. "We've allowed fewer than 40 points for the fourth straight game, so we're starting to guard the Walters State way. That's an encouraging thing to see and something we will continue to build on as we enter the final portion of the regular season."

Asia Barr was once again on her game from the 3-point line, draining seven of them to finish with 23 points for the game. Barr has hit 24 3-pointers in the last four games. 

Along with Barr, Kyra Perkins had 13 points. Other scorers for the Lady Senators were Kristyna Boyd with nine and Briontanay Marshall with six. 

It was a quick start for the Lady Senators as they broke out to a 7-2 lead early after a Barr three, two free throws from Perkins and a Perkins basket. Barr hit one more 3-pointer in the quarter, but Columbia State closed strong and led 11-10 after one. 

In the second, the Lady Senators struggled to score early as Columbia State scored the first five points and led, 16-10. Finally, with 2:41 to go in the half, the Lady Senators caught fire from behind the 3-point line. Barr hit back-to-back triples in 40 seconds and Perkins drilled one to make it 19-16, in favor of Walters State. Columbia got a free throw late, but Walters State led 19-17 at the break. 

Columbia State tied the game with a basket to start the third, but that was the last time they threatened in the game. The Lady Senators scored eight of the next nine points to go up 27-20. Those points came on two buckets by Perkins, a Marshall basket and a Boyd bucket. Marshall scored two more times in the quarter, and Barr ended it with back-to-back 3-pointers that gave Walters State a 39-29 lead heading to the fourth.

In the fourth, Barr hit one more three while Boyd scored five. The Lady Senators allowed just nine points and took the win. 

Up Next:

Walters State will be back in action on Wednesday, traveling to take on Motlow State. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics