LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Randolph women's basketball team hosted Methodist on Sunday afternoon at Giles Gymnasium on a day when the WildCats retired the #45 jersey of all-time leading scorer Tara Carleton Weaver '00. As for the game itself, Randolph was able to defeat the Monarchs 57-50.
Randolph improves to 2-0 on the season. It is the WildCats' first 2-0 start since 2016.
Methodist got out to a 5-0 lead in the first quarter but Randolph responded with five points to tie it up at 5-5 with under eight minutes to play in the period. The Monarchs went by four, 9-5, but the WildCats would go on a 9-3 run to end the quarter ahead 14-12.
The WildCats led by as much as eight points, 29-21, with 2:20 to play in the second quarter. Methodist cut the lead to three ay 29-26 but a free throw by Alexis Kiser (Floyd, Va./Floyd County) and a jumper by Kylie Stark (Lynchburg, Va./Brookville) gave the 'Cats a 32-26 advantage at halftime.
A pair of free throws by Stark and a layup by Yanessa Cabrera (Manassa, Va./Stonewall Jackson) to open the third period gave Randolph its biggest lead of the game, 36-26, with 9:07 showing on the clock. A quick 8-0 run by Methodist reduced the WildCat lead to two points, 36-34, but an 11-2 'Cats run gave them a 47-36 lead with 1:10 remaining in the period.
Randolph started to pull away early in the fourth quarter as back-to-back baskets put the WildCats ahead 53-40 under the nine minute mark. Despite the double-digit lead, the Monarchs came back to reduce their deficit to two possessions as late as 2:13 left in regulation. Kiser made the first of two free throws to make it 57-50 with 1:49 remaining. Methodist missed two baskets and a pair of free throws in the final 1:17 as the WIldCats came out with the win.
The WildCats won despite shooting 17-65 (26.2%) in the game to Methodist's 18-of-60 (30%). Randolph was better at the free throw line going 17-of-25 (68%) to 9-of-15 for the Monarchs (60%). Randolph controlled the boards 54-43.
"Overall, really happy with our effort especially on the defensive end," said head coach Steve Lanpher afterwards. "Our zone controlled them for the most part except for allowing too many 2nd shot opportunities. On a day when we didn't shoot particularly well, we found a way to win with grit and our defensive effort."
Stark had her first career double-double effort with15 points and 13 rebounds to go with two steals and two blocked shots. Teniyah Crenshaw-Patterson (Newport News, Va./Heritage) added 14 points, four rebounds, and two blocked shots. Cabrera chipped in 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
"Kylie always finds ways to help us win and she certainly did that with 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, noted Lanpher. "Our quarterback, Yanessa played well on both ends chipping in with 12 points and more importantly causing havoc at the top of our zone. Teniyah once again provided us with a huge offensive spark off the bench scoring 14 points and 4 rebounds. Nadia West and Paola Joseph played well in the middle as well. Kiser came off the bench and especially in the second half made huge plays to help us secure the win."
Randolph hosts Salem this coming Wednesday night. Game time will be at 7:00 p.m.
