For immediate release – 11/19/2014 - #173
Defense Rules the Day as Hornets down Pacers 65-52

RALEIGH, NC – The Lynchburg College women's basketball team held William Peace University to 31 percent shooting for the entire game, and only 20 percent in the second half, on its way to winning 65-52 on Wednesday night.

Both teams struggled to find the bottom of the net early in the game, as the Pacers held a narrow 8-4 lead after six minutes of play.  WPU extended the lead to 12 (26-14) after two straight three-pointers from Brittany Boykin.  Shannon Allan and Caroline Naumann both scored over the next minute to cut the advantage down to eight with 7:56 remaining.  Boykin then hit two free throws to bring the lead back to double-digits, but it was at that point that Hornets defense clamped down and went on their run.

Lynchburg scored the next 11 points, with four different contributors, and forced three turnovers during the period to take a 29-28 lead with 3:20 remaining.  Once again William Peace regained the lead with another make from downtown and an additional free throw.  With one minute left, Charmaine Hairston made a layup off of a fast break to bring the Hornets within one.  Then with ten seconds remaining in the half, Lauren Penley grabbed an offensive rebound and converted the ensuing put back to give LC the lead for good.

Lynchburg started off quickly scoring eight of the first ten points after the intermission, pushing the lead to 41-34 at the 17:30 mark.  The Hornets extended the lead, making stops and forcing turnovers, pushing the advantage out to 53-41 with 11:05 left on the clock.  The Pacers cut it back to eight points but would get no closer because of the staunch defense.

The Hornets were particularly impressive on the defensive end over the final ten minutes of the game.  LC allowed only seven points during that span, with five coming from the charity stripe.

Boykin and Krystal Williams each had 10 points to lead the Pacers (0-1 overall).  Allan led the Hornets with a game-high 16 points, while Chaney Forbush added 15 points and a game-high 15 rebounds for the double-double.  Sammi Goldsmith provided a steady hand throughout, posting a line of eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

Lynchburg (2-1) will play host its first home game of the season on Saturday before heading to Thanksgiving Break.  The Hornets will host Meredith College, with the jump ball set for 2 p.m.

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