Lady Jaguars gather two more wins despite odds

Despite the unlikelihood of going to the tournament being publicized, the idea of not reaching that goal is prevalent.  To battle that negativity, the Lady Jags retaliated with back-to-back wins at F.G. Clark Activity Center.
The Jags hosted Think Pink Weekend/Breast Cancer Society and wore pink socks to show their support of people that suffer  or survived from breast cancer. 
The Lady Jags (15-6, 12-1) still maintain the number one spot in the SWAC and showed how powerful they are in the conference without opposition. 
There has been a roadblock in gameplay with the absence of energy and vigor that they possessed when they opened the season. One could feel frustration and angst in the stands as the fans cheered in the F.G. Clark Activity Center for the ladies to press on. It is as if the aura has changed within the locker room.
“At this point, everyone on the team has to step up their game.” SU Coach Sandy Pugh says, “I feel that our defense has been sluggish.” 
On Saturday against the Arkansas – Pine Bluff Lions (3-19, 2-10) the game crept along.  The Jags only led by 3 points with a jump shot from Kendra Coleman and an assist from Jasmine Jefferson at the end of the half.  The lead changed 11 times and the score was tied 4 times in the first half, leaving the Lady Jags at a very palatable decision of the challenge of victory.
With only seven minutes spent in the half, SU led 55-40.  UAPB gave their all to face the leaders of the SWAC but SU pulled it out with a 77-68 win.
“I look to Kendra to be the leader of the team and to fall through with the shot at the end of the night.” Pugh says. 
That night, junior point guard, Kendra Coleman scored 21 points and trailing was Britney Washington who scored 20 points. It wasn’t to Coach Pugh’s satisfaction so neither player could be reached for comments due to interviewing being a privilege. 
Monday night, the same results came to fruition against the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes. The girls came to thwart the plans of SU success.
“We are first into the SWAC and get every team’s potential.” Assistant Coach Carlos Funchess says, “We have a bulls eye on our chest.” 
And of course the Lady Jags faced their trials against the Devilettes. The whole night the Devilettes came and played at core performance. 
“Joncyee Sanders could be the best passing guard in the league.  She played her hardest, passed the ball to her teammate and connected with the basket.” Funchess replies. 
Joncyee Sanders scored a performance high of 16 points while shooting for 7-11 with 8 assists and seven rebounds. 
That night junior forward Jasmine Jefferson stepped up to the plate with 16 points and Kendra Coleman with 15 points, 8 of those points were achieved from free throw shots. 
“Kendra couldn’t hit a shot,” Funchess said, “She kept taking the good shots, had good looks but some night it’s like LeBron James or Michael Jordan—they just don’t fall, but the other girls picked the game up and came out with a win.” 
SU finished with a close 70-65 win.
Despite the negativity floating in the locker room, the Jags at home gathered the “W”. 
The Lady Jags visit Alabama A&M Bulldogs (3-19, 1-11) for another conference showdown Saturday, February 22nd at 4:00 p.m. in Elmore Gym in Huntsville, Alabama.