NGU Skyliner

Billy Cannada
Staff Writer

On Feb. 15, the North Greenville women’s basketball team took home the NCCAA South Regional Championship after defeating Southern Wesleyan University and Emmanuel College.

“It feels awesome,” said Karly Stache, sophomore mathematics. “Starting out 4-10, it was hard to think we could get over 10 wins, nonetheless go to nationals.”

The Lady Crusaders opened the tournament in dramatic fashion, pulling out a nail biting 82-80 win over Southern Wesleyan University. Stache led the Crusaders in scoring with 20 points on the night. Other top performers for North Greenville included Whitney Smith, senior accounting, who had 11 points and Christina Carlis, sophomore undecided, who had 16 points in the contest.

With a win against SWU, North Greenville advanced to the championship game where they snagged a 64-54 win over Emmanuel College. The Crusaders had four players score in double figures, which lead to a South Regional Championship. Top performers included Stache, who had 17 points, Nikki Wood, senior psychology, who scored 14, Carlis, who had 11 points and Smith with 10 points on the night.

“The regional championship was wonderful,” said head coach Jayne Arledge. “We played two really good games back to back, and we are super excited to play in the national tournament and represent North Greenville.”

After a forfeit by Hiwassee College, North Greenville finished off the regular season with a tough loss on senior day to Morris College on Feb. 20. The Lady Crusaders blew a 15-point halftime lead as Morris College rallied to defeat North Greenville 84-80. Top scorers for North Greenville included Smith, who had 24 points, Krisceda Cotton, freshman sport management, who had 17, and Stache who scored 18. The seniors were honored at halftime of the game and Arledge had nothing but good things to say about her players.

“Nikki [Wood] has been a great point guard for us. Whitney [Smith] has become a great scorer,” said Arledge. “Jacquetta [Golden] has been a defensive stopper her whole career and Bridgett [Smith] was able to come from a soccer program and add life to our team.”

Winning the regional championship gives North Greenville a chance to compete in the national tournament on March 11-13.

Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 5

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