The women’s basketball matchup between Southern Virginia University and Washington and Lee University saw a commanding fourth-quarter push, detailed in play-by-play logs from generalssports.com, featuring extensive substitutions and scoring runs down the stretch.
Washington and Lee Rotates Players to Start Fourth Quarter
As the clock ticked down to the 10-minute mark in the final period, both benches went through a wave of personnel changes. Stepping onto the floor for Washington and Lee were Sam Collins, Zou Raine, Bri Shuttlewood, and Riley Bryant. The substitutions immediately altered the rhythm on the court as both squads fought through intense defensive pressure.
Caroline Shimp struck first in the period for Washington and Lee, driving hard into the paint for a layup that extended the lead to 71-34. Emma Openshaw attempted to answer on the other end with a three-pointer for Southern Virginia, but Riley Bryant pulled down the defensive rebound, setting up a fast-paced sequence that kept the momentum firmly with the home side.
Washington and Lee Extends Lead with Fast Breaks
Washington and Lee did not let up on fast breaks. Sam Collins capitalized on a defensive breakdown with a layup at the 9:10 mark, pushing the margin to 39 points. Shortly after, Bri Shuttlewood collected a rebound and zipped a precise assist to Bryant, who converted a fastbreak layup in the paint to make it 75-34.
Southern Virginia struggled to find rhythm against tight perimeter defense, missing shots from beyond the arc by Emma Sabin and Kensey Peterson. Zou Raine anchored the paint defensively for Washington and Lee, swatting away a Peterson three-point attempt at the 8:06 mark before Shimp grabbed the board and fed Collins for yet another fastbreak layup.
Both Teams Rotate Players Following Turnover
Following a turnover by Peterson at the 7:33 mark, Southern Virginia brought in Natalie Lanning and Lyla Seneca, while Washington and Lee rotated in Alivia Tarry, Emma Schmitz, and Olive Bigham. Bigham immediately ran into trouble with a turnover, but Southern Virginia’s offense continued to hunt for openings inside.
At 6:09, Kensey Peterson broke through the Washington and Lee defense for a tough layup in the paint, bringing the score to 77-36. Bigham responded at the line moments later, sinking free throws after a foul by Lanning to stretch the lead past the forty-point threshold.
Closing Minutes at the Arena
As the game entered its final five minutes, Lyla Seneca found the bottom of the net with a driving layup for Southern Virginia, making it 79-38. Schmitz picked up a foul on the play, sending Seneca to the line, where she missed the ensuing free throw. Kate Marker grabbed the offensive rebound for Southern Virginia, but subsequent perimeter attempts by Openshaw and Emily Straughn failed to drop.
Olive Bigham secured a late steal off a turnover by Seneca at the 4:35 mark, allowing Washington and Lee to drain the remaining clock and secure the victory.
