LUBBOCK, Texas — For the second time in the last three years, the Southern Nazarene Women's Basketball team have started off on a high note achieving four consecutive wins to begin the season.
Game two over in Lubbock was a success for the Storm (4-0-0-0 GAC) as they took down the Angelo State Rams (0-4, 0-0 LSC) 52-43 bringing home another non-con conference win to help set the tone for the 2021-2022 season.
The Storm had a hot start to the contest shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from deep. Senior Jaycee Soap was electric right from tip scoring the Storm's first 10 points all within the first quarter. Teammate Cassandra Awatt also contributed to SNU's quick push dishing out a couple of points to help the Storm to a 10 point lead at the half (25-15).
SNU remained relentless coming out of the break, going on an 8-0 run to start the third. Storm veterans Kennedy Gillette and Abby Niehues propelled the Storm forward with a few quick hitters to keep their lead alive at 44-25.
With 10 minutes left of play, the Storm had an uncharacteristic fourth quarter missing shots left and right with nothing falling through the net. The Rams capitalized off of this Storm setback going on a 9-0 run halfway through the quarter leaving the Storm to scramble to maintain their lead. Angelo State crept behind the Storm in the final minutes cutting their lead to seven. After a few made free throws by Lauryn Reither, SNU saw some breathing room and survived the fourth quarter scare leaving Lubbock 2-0 to check off another non-conference victory.
Soap was dangerous on the offensive end scoring 18 points while shooting 4-7 from the three. She was active on the other end as well grabbing three rebounds, two assists, and two steals against the Rams.
Awatt contributed to the Storm's early dominance registering 12 points, seven rebounds, and one steal.
Gillette continued her aggressive play tallying nine points to go along with seven boards, two assists, and four steals that afternoon.
Niehues took care of business within the paint grabbing five rebounds and blocking two shots.
Reither gave SNU some relief at the end totaling four points, four, rebounds, two assist, and one steal.
Alexus Jones matched the defensive energy recording four steals.
Moving their season record to 4-0, the Storm head to Alaska this week for some tough non-conference contests in hopes of continuing their hot streak.
