In a showcase of what some may call pure dominance, Southern’s Women’s basketball was on a quest to secure a trip to the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years.
Southern showed their tenacity with this game. Leading for a total of 39 minutes and 6 seconds, shooting 66.7% from the field and perfect from beyond the arc. Never allowing Alabama State to get a consistent offense. This truly was a team effort. With guards Zaria Hurston, Olivia Delancy, D’Shantae Edwards, and Jocelyn scoring with double digits. Proving that their strength comes from their skill and amazing chemistry on the court.
The championship made a great impression among the faculty of Southern. Assistant Professor of Practice of the Computer Science department, Dr. Sheryl LaFleur shares how the win impacted her.
“When I saw the news I was like oh my God this is a huge win for them. And I was thinking that if they win [against Samford] that the school will be moving forward. Raising the morale among staff, faculty, administration, and even maintenance”, explained LaFluer
LaFleur then adds.“Because this is what Southern needs. It’s more than just academics. These young women have skill and are also academically inclined. I’m so proud of it. And I think as for the university, it would put them in a different light. Like hey, we have achieved something. Our young women have achieved greatness that most have just dreamed about”.
The win also had a great impression on students who were eager to share their opinions of the team. Madison, a freshman Nursing major “I feel like it makes our school look good overall. And it probably makes more girls want to come here for the sports. When I think of Southern I think of the band or the nursing program. The women’s team winning could elevate the sports on campus to the same level”.
Freshman Electrical Engineering major Jayla Ezidore adds “I do feel like this win has a positive effect on the school pride. After this maybe more people will come out to support after seeing how good the team is. After this win, next season I’m expecting the same thing or better. If they could do it once they could do it again.”
After the final buzzer sounded, the Jaguars outlasted the Alabama State Hornets 73-56 to win their second consecutive SWAC championship. The Lady Jags hope to ride the wave of this success as they prepare for the challenges that await them in the NCAA tournament.
