By Alex Garrison
William Peace University’s Women’s Basketball team dominated the court this season with multiple milestones achieved, great team chemistry, and winning the conference.
The team was recently named USA South East Division Champions for the regular season along with being ranked 25th nationally in the WBCA NCAA Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll, the first national ranking in program history.
Along with Head Coach Grahm Smith being named the USA South Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, four players were named USA South Honorees. Mikayla Ray was named to the First Team, Lauryn Cross and Jaymesha Sanders were named to the Second Team, and Eva Holloway was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
“It feels amazing to be a part of a winning program,” said Peace senior, Khadijah Daniels.
Finishing their regular season with a record of 15-1 in conference play, and 22-3 overall, the women’s team is ready for tournament play to start, now with a champion title under their belt.
“I’m happy to see where this new energy we’ve created will take us,” said Peace freshman Laura Middleton. “I’m expecting to keep the momentum growing with all the hard work we’ve put in and will continue to do. It’s not just about the hype, it’s about getting it done too.”
Next, the Lady Pacers will be competing in the quarter-finals of the USA South tournament on Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. against Huntingdon College in the Hermann Athletic Center on campus.
Earlier in the season, Sanders and Ray hit milestones for their basketball careers. On Jan. 18, Sanders scored her 1,000th point, while Ray recorded her 1,000th career rebound on Jan. 22.
“My favorite part of the season has been the winning aspect. It feels good to be rewarded for the hard work that has been put through preseason and during the season,” said Daniels. “Also, the fun I have with my teammates makes it even more enjoyable.”
For more information on WPU Women’s Basketball team, or for a schedule of upcoming games, please visit www.gopeacepacers.com.
The Women’s Basketball team poses for a pic after a much deserved victory and being named Division Champs!