COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's basketball opened Appalachain Athletic Conference play at home against Union College (Ky.). After falling in their first game against Voorhees College (S.C.), Coach Fleming's squad aimed to bounce back and claim their first victory of the young 2021-22 season. 

The Rams got off to a fast start going up by a massive 30 points (51-21) with 2:34 left in the second quarter, thanks to excellent defensive play. The Rams would end the half with a 52-29 advantage. However, the Bulldogs would make the game interesting, fighting back in the second and cutting the lead to as little as five at several points throughout the final two-quarters of the game. Still, the Bulldogs could not overcome their early game deficit, and the Rams would reign victorious 87-80.

NCAA Division I transfer Teneea Heston led the Rams in scoring, with an impressive 25 points off of 9-of-18 shooting to go with five assists. Queeneka Howard would also provide a spark offensively with 19 points shooting an efficient 6-of-12 from the floor and snagging eight rebounds. In addition, freshman guard Madison Hatcher continued to play well for the Rams early this season, as she added 18 points in her home debut. Lastly, Madison Ferrara caught fire behind the arc, knocking down four three-points for her 12 points in the Rams win.  The Rams ran away in the turnover battle forcing 22 giveaways but only coughing the ball up 12 times themselves. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying:
"What a game. Up 30 after a perfectly played first half. We made the right plays and hit shots. Union is a good team with a 5th year senior so, I knew they wouldn't go down without a fight. Proud of my girls for holding on! A win is a win, and we don't give them back."

Up Next:
CIU will step out of AAC play to host fellow NAIA program, Webber International University (Fla.), on Monday, Nov. 8 at 5:30 PM.