Lady Braves hopeful about PBC tournament

By Brandon Barber
Staff Writer

The UNCP women’s basketball team finished the regular season atop the North Division of the Peach Belt Conference, a much-improved performance over last year’s effort.

After defeating USC-Upstate 62-51 on Feb. 26, the Lady Braves finished with an 18-9 overall record, up from 8-20 last year, and went 10-6 in conference play, up from 2-14 last year.

With the exception of January, when they went 4-5, UNCP had a winning record every month. However, the Braves turned things around in February as they compiled a 7-1 record on their way to the top of the standings.

The lone loss occurred on Feb. 19, as UNCP traveled to Kennesaw State University. The Lady Owls overcame a 22-point, 17-rebound effort from senior Danielle Richard-son to win by a final of 79-64.

Junior Lindsay Bartholf was the only other Lady Brave to reach double-digits, as she recorded 15 points. KSU had twice as many players reach double-digits, led by 19 points from junior Shavonder Clarke. Clarke also pulled down 15 rebounds.

UNCP quickly got back on the winning track with a 63-48-road victory against Francis Marion University on Feb. 23. Richardson led all scorers with 23 points and collected her fifth straight double-double by collecting 14 rebounds.

Sophomore Lauren Lingenfelter, 14 points, and freshman Victoria Willis, 10 points, were the only other Braves to reach double figures. Junior Danielle Moore led the Patriots with 13 points.

In his first year as the Lady Braves head coach, John Haskins has been pleasantly surprised with the way the team has performed.

“I’m very pleased with the play of the team this season. The girls have worked very hard and played well together,” Haskins said. “We have exceeded my expectations, particularly with the four players lost for the year with injuries before the season began.”

The outstanding play of Richardson, three-time PBC Player of the Week, and Bartholf, one-time PBC Player of the Week, has also been very impressive, Haskins said.

The team is looking to ride its momentum into the conference tournament, which began March 1 at Augusta State. Results were not available at press time.