Lady Pioneers Defeat Cumberland

By: Nick Kieser

LEBANON, TENNESSEE — Game one is in the record books for the 2018-19 season, tonight the Lady Pioneers ended with the score on their side when the final buzzer sounded.

With the first road game taken care of 53-50, the Lady Pioneers walk away from an aggressive game with Cumberland University.

"The girls really paid attention to us at halftime.  We just told them to stay in control and stay focused. We told them we could stay in this game with one or two stops down the stretch and it made a difference," said assistant coach Tony Thompson.

At the halfway point of the game, the score was in favor of Cumberland 28-22.  Moving forward the momentum shifted with a fast start from the Lady Pioneers that would last the remainder of the game.

Passing thoroughly and clear communication from the teammates and leaders allowed the Lady Pioneers to make a case after the second half started.

"We have some solid freshmen and the takeaway here tonight is that we finished the game with the freshmen on the floor.  To have them ready to go for a game in Alabama is going to be a big plus for us," said Thompson.

Cumberland played aggressively on both sides of the court with the Lady Pioneers tonight, in result assistant Thompson noted that "we expected this on the first game and they handled it well." 

"We were down at first, but we played a good comeback game tonight," said guard Aliyah Miller.

Captain Miller finished the game with a double-double and 12 points on the night.

The next game is tomorrow at Snead State Community College will tipoff at 5:30 p.m.

"As soon as jump ball hits we have to come out aggressive, talking, communicating, and get back on defense. Just setting the intensity of the game," said forward Xavia Williams. 

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