Ecclesia College Women's Basketball
EC Upsets Emmanuelle In National Tournament
Lady Royals Win Opening Round Game
By Josh Souza, 3/11/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
WINONA LAKE, IN---Ecclesia mustered up just enough offense to slip past number two seeded Emmanuelle College 41-39 in the opening round of the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament held at Grace College Thursday afternoon.
The Lady Royals were held to just six field goals in what was a dismal offensive half for both squads. EC trailed 16-15 at the half and by as many as nine with under ten to play in the second half.
“If you would have told me coming in we’d shoot this poorly and still have a chance to win I would have never believed it,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “I think that may be the worst first half I’ve seen…ever. But we were able to re-group keep it close and make the big plays down the stretch when we had to.”
Emmanuelle led 29-20 with 9:00 remaining, when Ecclesia’s Nicole Meredith sparked a 7-0 scoring run to cut the deficit to two. Meredith accounted for five points, three steals and an assist during the run that brought the Lady Royals from the depths of defeat.
Even more impressively Meredith and the rest of her EC teammates didn’t commit a turnover during the final 9:00, when they overcame a 9 point lead. The Lady Royals had been forced into 22 turnovers during the first 30 minutes of action.
“Nicole (Meredith) made some big plays for us tonight especially in the second half when we needed offense from somewhere,” Meythaler said. “The biggest key for us was not turning the ball over once we got back in it.”
Lucinda Sylvain gave Ecclesia their first lead of the second half, as she banked in a 3-pointer from the left wing with under a minutes to play. Meredith would eventually ice a pair of game winning free throws with nine seconds to play.
Ecclesia was led by Vernisha Moss with 15 points. The Lady Royals will advance to play North Greenville in the tournament semi-finals Friday at 5pm. With at least one win under its belt, EC is guaranteed at least a fourth place finish.
EC Heads To Nationals
Lady Royals Earn First Tournament Bid
By Josh Souza, 3/8/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
ELM SPRINGS---Ecclesia used a 25 point effort from sophomore Kayla Chambers to upset Mid America Christian 82-75 in the finals of the NCCAA’s Central Regional championship game Saturday evening in Oklahoma City, earning the second year program its first bid to a national tournament.
The victory over MAC was a culmination of what had already been a marked turn-around following a 1-10 start to the season for the Lady Royals. In the Spring semester Ecclesia only lost two games, falling to much larger institutions in the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, while stringing together a winning streak that lasted nine games.
“We had a brutal schedule during the first part of the season against teams from a much higher level of skill than we are accustomed and that was to prepare us for this time,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “We have worked our tails off for two years to get to this point and it is a testament to how much character these girls have.”
Ecclesia is the youngest team at this years NCCAA National tournament, as the seventh seed in a field of eight. EC may also have the thinnest bench, being that they will travel to Winona Lake (IN) with just six players.
Overcoming small numbers hasn’t posed much of a problem for EC thus far, as the Lady Royals have won two of their last three games with five or less players. There were just five EC players left standing for the final 18 minutes of their win over Mid America.
Ecclesia is guaranteed three games at nationals beginning with a first round bout against Emmanual College in the opening game of the tournament starting at 1pm Thursday. The Lady Royals are scheduled to depart for Wiona Lake Tuesday morning.
Brackets for the event can be found at the following link:
http://www.grace.edu/athletics/womensbasketball/NCCAA%20Tournament/tournament%
By Josh Souza, 3/7/10 OKLAHOMA, CITY---To say that a trip to the NCCAA National was beyond Ecclesia’s wildest dreams would be an overstatement, but the odds certainly were staked against the Lady Royals when the week began. In order to earn their first trip to the big dance Ecclesia was scheduled to play three games in three days in three states. However two forfeits by the Lady Royals early round opponents opened the door for a shot at Mid America Christian in the Central Regional finals. Still, Ecclesia had to travel to MAC’s home court and play the game with just six players and to make matters worse EC’s body count was cut down to five for nearly the entire second half. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, the second year program out of Elm Springs found a way to overcome. Playing 18 minutes of the second half with just five players, Ecclesia held on for an 82-75 win, earning their first trip to the National Tournament. “I am just so proud of these girls and so happy for this program,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “I told them coming into the game that we would have to play lights out to have a chance and that’s exactly what we did.” Ecclesia (13-17) trailed by as many as 14 in the first half and lost guard Lucinda Sylvain to fouls with just two minutes elapsed in the second. “We had a lot of things not go our way early on and when (Sylvain) fouled out we were in trouble,” Meythaler said. “I think (MAC) tried to ware us down instead of just playing their game. They held on to time outs thinking we’d crack but we never did.” EC rallied back to even the score at 45 mid-way through the half, thanks to the play of Kayla Chambers, who finished with a career high 25 points. Chambers scored 18 of those in the second half going 9-of-10 at the free throw line. “They just couldn’t’ stop her (Chambers),” Meythaler said. “She took over the game when we needed it most and her free throw shooting was off the charts tonight.” The games most pivotal moment came with just over three minutes to play, as Chambers knocked down a go-ahead 3-pointer that was followed by a Mid-America foul under the basket. The call resulted a four point swing for Ecclesia and the Lady Royals led the rest of the way. Ecclesia received huge offensive contributions from Ashton Abshier (18), Nicole Meredith (17) and Vernisha Moss (16). Abshier has averaged more than 16 points a game over EC’s last five outings. The Lady Royals are set to leave for Winona Lake, Indiana this Tuesday. EC will be guaranteed three games beginning Thursday.
By Josh Souza, 2/25/10 SPRINGDALE---Ecclesia took on Philanders Smith with just six players on the roster and by nights end their would be only three Lady Royals left standing. Despite playing most of the second half against an unfavorable power play EC managed to hold on for a 79-64 win in their final home contest of the season at the All-Star Sports Arena. Ecclesia built a 15 point second half lead but had to hold off Philanders with four or fewer payers over the final ten minutes of regulation to stamp their 12th win of the season. The iron trio of Lucinda Sylvain, Nicole Meredith and Leslie Post logged over 100 minutes of playing time as the only three EC players to finish the contest. Sylvain finished with 15 points, doing most of her damage at the free throw line shooting 8-of-10. Post chipped in 13 points in her most productive game since joining the squad in late January. Philanders had a particular problem keeping tabs on Post in the second half where she finished 4-of-7 shooting. Ashton Abshier was on her way to a season high before fouling out late in the second half. Despite the early exit, Abshier turned in a game-high 22 points to go along with three steals. Vernisha Moss etched her 12th double-double of this semester, turning in 13 points and a game high 19 rebounds. Philanders smith was led by Miesha Williams (19) and Joy Robertson (18).
Cinderella Gets Invite to Big Dance
Ecclesia Shocks MAC Earns First Trip To National Tournament
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
Who Needs Five?
Ecclesia Holds Off Philanders With Three Players
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
Williams Leads Lady Mustangs Past Ecclesia
By Josh Souza, 2/18/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE---Ecclesia has been hot as wildfire in the Spring semester reeling off seven straight wins, but a laundry list of bumps and bruises coupled with a strong effort from Central Baptist would prove to be too much to overcome, as the Lady Royals fell to CBC 68-57.
Ecclesia (11-15) came into the contest with its biggest low-post presence Vernisha Moss sidelined with a knee injury and freshman power forward Tinelle Williams coming off a three day sick leave.
Even with a lack of healthy bodies Ecclesia looked sharp in the early goings, building a 28-21 half time lead. CBC trailed by as many as 14 in the first half.
“Not being at full strength was something we were prepared to deal with and it didn’t seem to be a big factor early on, but as the pace of the game wore on you could tell we were getting gassed,” Ecclesia head coach Kevin Meythaler said. “When your legs start to fade its hard to keep your outside game going and that was evident by our shooting in the second half.”
Central Baptist (11-10) would take advantage of the Lady Royals lack of inside re-enforcement as they attacked the basket with reckless abandon, accounting for 30 points in the paint throughout the second half.
Ashley Williams would prove to be the sparkplug for CBC during a 20-0 scoring run that essentially broke the back of Ecclesia midway through the second. Williams finished with a game high 24 points, 20 of which came in the second half.
Ecclesia had four players finish in double figures, led by Ashton Abshier’s 11 points and 11 rebounds. Williams and Kayla Chambers each added 10 points to the Lady Royals cause, while Nicole Meredith fished with 12 points and three steals.
Chambers, Williams Lead EC Past Ozark Christian
By Josh Souza, 2/15/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
WOMEN---Tinelle Williams and Kayla Chambers each turned in double-doubles to keep Ecclesia’s winning streak alive, as the Lady Royals routed Ozark Christian 76-43 to earn their eight straight victory.
Williams finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Chambers turned in a game high 19 points and 14 rebounds. The duo helped Ecclesia control the boards all evening, as EC (11-15) out-rebounded Ozark 57-44.
Chambers did a little bit of everything for the Lady Royals on Monday, dropping off five assist to go along with five blocks and three steals. The Conway native led Ecclesia in every offensive and defensive category Monday evening.
Ecclesia led by 12 at the half and would blow the contest open in the second, shooting 7-of-15 from 3-point land. Ashton Abshier accounted for three money balls and 15 points, while newcomer Leslie Post finished with a season high 9 points and five rebounds.
Ozark Christian finished just 1-of-15 from long distance and 17-of-70 from the floor. Brittany Owen led OCC wtih 14 points. Ecclesia will be in action again Thursday when they take on Central Baptist College.
Moss Too Much For Rhema
Ecclesia Wins Sixth Straight
By Josh Souza, 2/4/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
BROKEN ARROW, OK---Ecclesia continued its roll through the Spring semester, raking up their sixth straight win as the Lady Royals came from seven points down to knock off Rhema Bible College 64-53 Thursday evening.
Freshman center Vernisha Moss (6’1”) was simply too much for an undersized Rhema squad that featured no player over 5-foot-6-inches. However, the Lady Royals were un-able to take advantage in the early goings thanks to 14 first half turnovers.
“We did a lousy job of taking care of the ball in the first half and we had to fight for every inch of this win,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “The second half was much cleaner. (Moss) was able to stay on the floor for more minutes and we had several players make crucial foul shots down the stretch.”
Moss sat for over ten minutes in the first half, but would eventually make her presence felt with a team high 16 points and 14 rebounds. When she wasn’t drop-stepping on post defenders she was dropping the ball off to open teammates, adding four assist.
Ecclesia (10-15) shot over 45% from the floor and finished 16-of-23 from the free throw line. The Lady Royals would also show much better ball control in the second half, cutting their turnovers to just four.
The lead exchanged hands on more than ten occasions before Ecclesia was able to pull away. With the win Ecclesia will remain in the top four in the NCCAA Central Region. All signs point towards a playoff hosting senerio for Ecclesia, as long as the Lady Royals continue their winning ways.
“We will know in a couple of weeks what our seeding will be, but right now I don’t see us not hosting a game for the regional,” Meythaler said. “We aren’t 100% sure we will host a game, but if we can continue to play the way we’re playing I feel condident we will lock up a top four seed.”
Ecclesia will be in action again Monday when they travel to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to take on Oklahoma Wesleyan. The Lady Royals routed Wesleyan 83-58 in their last meeting less than a month ago.
Lady Royals Avoid Collapes To Hold Off Ozark Christian
By Josh Souza, 2/2/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
JOPLIN, MO---Ashton Abshier and Nicole Meredith each iced a pair of decisive free throws to help Ecclesia avoid near disaster, as the Lady Royals held off Ozark Christian 69-65 win to help EC remain undefeated during the Spring Semester.
Early in the second half it looked as though Ecclesia had the game all but wrapped up, leading by as many as 18, however Ozark Christian would force 18 turnovers during the final 14 minutes to tie the contest 65-65 with under a minute to play.
“We got up on them early and I think we were getting too concerned with working the shot clock than taking good shots,” said Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler. “(Ozark Christian) put a good full court press on us and our guards didn’t do a good job of handling it.”
Meredith, who shreaded the OCC defense for 14 first half points, found herself un-able to maintain poise against the heavy defensive pressure in the second, however the Ecclesia sophomore would show ice water in her vanes when the game was on the line, as she made good on a pair of free throws to re-take the lead for EC with under a minute to play.
“Nicole (Meredith) is probably our best free throw shooter as far as percentages go, so I wasn’t surprised to see her come up when we needed her to,” Meythaler said. “I think we have learned through the coarse of this season what it takes to win games and these girls understand how to win.”
Former Rogers High School stand-out Brittany Owen led Ozark Christian with a game high 19 points and nine rebounds, while Melea Cook and Kori Greggory each added 14.
The win marks the sixth victory in the last seven outings for Ecclesia which insures the Lady Royals a top four finish in the NCCAA standings. No player has been more crucial over the teams current stretch than freshman Vernisha Moss, who has been averaging nearly 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Moss finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds Tuesday night marking her 8th double-double in the last 12 games.
Lady Royals Score Season High In Home Win
By Josh Souza, 1/21/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE---The Ecclesia offense has been clicking on all cylders in recent weeks, averaging over 80 points per game and that trend continued Thursday evening, as the Lady Royals went for a season high in scoring in a 93-61 win over Rhema Bible College.
EC has won five its last six games including four wins in the past five days. Six players scored ten or more points for Ecclesia, as the Lady Royals shot 10-of-22 from behind the arch.
“We are really clicking on offense right now and it seems to be a different girl leading us every night,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “Tonight it was Lucinda (Sylvain) and Tennelle (Williams). I was pleased with the effort I got from everyone and we just need to stay humble and keep this momentum going.”
Sylvain and Williams each finished with 22 points, though it would be the outside shooting of Sylvain that got Ecclesia off and running. Sylvain poured in 20 points in the first half, while shooting a perfect 7-of-7 from the field including 4-of-4 from 3-piont land.
Williams’ 22 is a career high. The 6-foot freshman continues to show signs of maturity in her complete game, as evident by 13 rebounds and two blocked shots. Ashton Abshier added 17 points for Ecclesia, shooting 5-of-7 from long distance.
Vernisha Moss turned in her seventh double-double double in the past three weeks as she finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Nicole Meredith added 12 points and five assist.
Lady Royals Keep On Rolling
Abshier Leads Ecclesia Past Baptist Bible
By Josh Souza, 1/19/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGFIELD, MISSORI---Ecclesia protected the rock and continued to roll offensively as the Lady Royals committed a season low six turnovers en-route to a 75-36 drumming of Baptist Bible College Tuesday evening.
After opening the season with a 1-10 start EC (7-15) has now won four of their last five contest, averaging nearly 70 points per game during the streak. With their last victory the Lady Royals are currently ranked number three in the NCCAA central region and coach Kevin Meythaler has high hopes that his team has found its stride just a month away from post season play.
“We are playing solid basketball right now and if we keep this up there is no reason we can’t get a favorable seeding come tournament time,” Meythaler said. “You never want to speak to soon, but this is the best we have played as far as taking care of the ball and playing with our heads. I am very proud of the way these girls are performing right now.”
Ecclesia wasted little time asserting its dominance against Baptist Bible, as the Lady Royals grabbed a 46-15 half time lead and never looked back. Ashton Abshier led the way with a team season high 22 points.
Abshier shot a precise 4-of-7 from 3-point land, while grabbing seven rebounds in the process. Freshman Tenelle Williams (8-of-10 FG) continued her maturation as a force on the Ecclesia front line adding 16 points, while Kayla Chambers chipped in 15.
“This was by far the cleanest game we played,” Meythaler said. “We could tell that we were beginning to frustrate (Baptist Bible) even in the early goings and we just stepped on the gas pedal.”
Ecclesia center Vernisha Moss has been a key contributor during the Lady Royals current winning streak. The 6-foot-1-inch Moss has recorded six double-doubles in the last ten games and fell just short of another on Tuesday night, as she ended with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Shorthanded Smack-Down
Meredith, Ecclesia Too Much For Wesleyan
By Josh Souza, 1/13/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE---Having a short handed squad hasn’t seemed to pose any problems for Ecclesia in recent weeks. In fact, the Lady Royals have been running like a streamline butterfly since trimming its body count to just six, as evident by an 83-58 win over Oklahoma Wesleyan Wednesday evening.
All six Ecclesia players finished with double figures, led by point-guard Nicole Meredith’s game high 18 points. EC got off to a hot start, using a 10-0 run mid-way through the half to build a twenty point lead and never trailed past the 12:00 mark of the first.
“Everybody played hard and that’s the key for us night in and night out,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler. “We only have six and these girls know they have to play hard. They have to play through pain and sickness and they have to play smart…we did all of those things tonight.”
Ecclesia (5-14) committed a season low 11 turnovers in the contest, while shooting 8-of-17 from 3-point land. Lucinda Sylvain had the hot hand for Ecclesia all night, pouring in 17 points. Sylvain and teammate Ashton Abshier (11) combined for seven of Ecclesia’s eight 3-pointers.
While Abshier and Sylvain were ripping the net from the outside, the front line of Vernisha Moss, Kayla Chambers, and Tinelle Williams were dominating the paint. Chambers finished with a 17 points and Moss added her second consecutive double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Wesleyan (4-14) was held to just 12-of-39 shooting in the second half and under 26 percent for the game. Andrea Ratzlaff (10) was the only Lady Eagle to score in double figures.
The Lady Royals will look to continue its recent success when they take on University of the Ozarks in a make-up contest Monday in Clarksville.
Ecclesia Slips Past Philanders
Balanced Attack Leads Lady Royals
By Josh Souza, 1/8/10
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
LITTLE ROCK---The Ecclesia offense was as balanced as a Michael Phelps breakfast, as the Lady Royals spread the wealth between a thin six-man roster to come out on top of a 73-70 contest against Philanders Smith College Friday evening.
Four of Ecclesia’s six players finished in double figures and other two chipped in eight points apiece on a night when the Lady Royals shot 58% from the field. Freshman center Vernisha Moss was the catalyst, pouring in 20 points to go along with eleven rebounds.
“I was proud of the way we played tonight,” said Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler. “This was the first game we’ve had six players and they all did a great job of keeping their intensity up. This was a big win for us.”
“(Philanders) lost a few players at semester break and they weren’t used to playing short handed like we have been doing all season,” continued Meythaler. “We did a good job of keeping pressure on them and controlling the pace of the game.”
Ecclesia (4-14) led the entire first half before Philanders came to life in the closing minutes to cut the deficit to 32-31 at the break. The Lady Panthers offense would be run nearly exclusively through Miesha Williams, who raked up a game high 28 points.
Philanders would get to as close as three in the second half but clutch free throw shooting by Moss would put the game of ice for Ecclesia in the closing seconds. Lucinda Sylvain (12), Kayla Chambers (13), and Ashton Abshier (12) each finished in double figures for EC .
Jewel Shines In Ozarks Win
Ecclesia’s Abshier Scores Season High 19
By Josh Souza, 12/10/09
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE---College of the Ozarks drained 13 3-pointers en-route to an 83-47 win over Ecclesia Thursday evening at the All-Start Sports Arena. No player shined from the outside more than guard Megan Jewel, who finished a flawless 5-of-5 from 3-point land to score a team high 15 off the Ozarks bench.
Jewel entered the game at the 15:00 mark of the first half and immediately made her presence felt, canning her first money ball to cap an 8-0 scoring run that put Ecclesia in an early 17-5 hole.
“All of (Ozarks) girls are long and can shoot from the outside,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “When your slow on your rotations it can be almost impossible to stop them from scoring, especially when they get hot like they did tonight.”
Ecclesia (2-10) never came within 10 points following the 13:43 mark of the first half. Ashton Abshier did her best to keep the Lady Royals in the mix, scoring a season high 19 points, while adding two blocks and four rebounds.
Abshier finished the night 5-of-12 from 3-point land and 2-of-2 from the free throw line. Sophomore Kayla Chambers (10) was the only other Ecclesia player to finish in double figures offensively.
“Ashton is a good shooter and we were able to get her some open looks tonight,” Meythaler said. “I thought (Chambers) played a great game. We had a couple players in foul trouble and she did a great job of eating up minutes and she never let up her intensity.”
Ozarks (9-3) led by 22 at the half and were up by as many as 36 in the second. Every player on the C of O roster contributed points offensively, with Jewel and Emily Bell (12) leading the way.
Lady Royals Route Baptist Bible
Meredith Scores Season High In Win
By Josh Souza, 12/4/09
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE---Ecclesia came into Thursday night’s bout against Baptist Bible College with the weight of a nine game losing streak on its shoulders, but judging by the way the Lady Royals played you wouldn’t have guessed it.
EC had four players finish in double figures led by Nicole Meredith, who poured in a season high 21 points en-route to a 76-43 route of the Lady Patriots at the All-Star Sports Arena.
“I was very proud of the effort we got tonight from everybody,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “I don’t think it’s the best game we’ve played, but we have played some great completion early in this season and that has really played dividends for us.”
Ecclesia exploded out of the gate with a 10-2 scoring run to start the contest and never looked back. Sophomore Meredith sparked the early onslaught with 15 first half points, eclipsing her season high for points in just the first half alone.
Meredith was nearly perfect in the first, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. As a team Ecclesia shot over 50% from the floor in the first half to build a 43-22 lead at intermission.
Baptist Bible never recovered from the quick start by Ecclesia, as the Lady Royals only added more fuel to the fire in the second thanks to the play of a front line that combined to score 42 points.
Ashton Abshier accounted for 17 of those including 12 in the first half, while freshman Vernisha Moss chipped in a double-double (15 points, 13 rebounds) off the bench. Tinelle Williams (10 points, 8 rebounds) was the only other player to finish in double figures for Ecclesia.
Baptist Bible was led by the trio of Megan Bushy head (12), Mean Winslow (12), and Caly Askins (14). The Lady Patriots committed 26 turnovers and were out rebounded 44-31.
Pipers Blow Past Ecclesia
Big First Half Sparks Lyon
By Josh Souza, 11/30/09
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE---Ecclesia showed strides but failed to keep pace with a tough Lyon College squad, as the Lady Royals were defeated 64-48 Monday evening at the All-Star Sports Arena.
Despite forcing 23 turnovers and outscoring the Lady Pipers bench by a count of 21-18, Ecclesia was unable to right the ship amidst a losing streak that is nearing 10 games. However, the Lady Royals showed much improvement since their 20 + point defeat at the hands of Lyon nearly a month ago, especially in the early goings.
Ecclesia (1-9) started 4-of-6 from the field as they built a 9-7 lead early in the contest. Ashton Abshier knocked down a pair of early 3-pointers to spark EC in the early goings and went on to finish with a team high 13 points.
“I thought our intensity was a lot better tonight than it has been in recent weeks,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “Our energy fuels our offense and tonight we were able to keep the pace up for awhile, but (Lyon) really started to dictate the speed of the game late in the first half with their depth.”
Lyon (6-1) began to pull away midway through the first half, using a 12 man rotation to ware down Ecclesia with a seemingly endless supply of fresh bodies. The Pipers outscored Ecclesia 27-10 over the final 10 minutes of the second half, shooting 8-of-10 from the free throw line to build a 17-point half time lead.
Ecclesia was unable to find any kind of offensive rhythm outside of guard Lucinda Sylvain in the second half, who poured in 12 points off the Lady Royals bench. EC was held without a field goal for the first nine minutes of play in the second. The Lady Royals defense however, was solid forcing 17 second half turnovers including three steals and a block by freshman Vernisha Moss (9 points, 4 steals).
“Defensively we showed a lot of improvement tonight,” Meythaler said. “We did a good job of making (Lyon) work for their shots, and I thought we did a great job of attacking the basket. That is where we had a lot of success earlier this season and we need to get back to taking the ball to the hole if we want to have success on offense.”
Lyon would lead by as many a 24 down the stretch, spearheaded by the play of Lauren Ramsey (15 points, 7 rebounds) and KK Hodges (12). Hodges scored ten second half points including a 3-pointer with seven minutes remaining to push Lyon’s lead to 22.
Lyon finished the contest 22-of-48 from the floor and 12-of-15 from the free throw line. Ecclesia shot just 12-of-19 from the charity stripe and were held to just two 3-pointers on the night, both coming from Ashton Abshier.
Sublett, Williams too much for EC
By Josh Souza, 11/24/09
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE---Williams Baptist took advantage of a 10 player rotation and a distinct size advantage, as they toped Ecclesia 75-48 in women’s collegiate action Tuesday afternoon at the All-Star Sports Arena.
“Our intensity was much better tonight than in the past few games, but we didn’t really play any better,” Ecclesia caoch Kevin Meythaler said. “We have to do a better job of making our free throws and of getting stops if we want to get anywhere as a team.”
Ecclesia, who has just seven active players on its roster, struggled to man up with the Lady Eagles front line, namely 6-foot-1-inch freshman Brittany Fulks, who sparked Williams with 10 first half points.
When the Lady Royals weren’t getting pounded on the inside by Fulks and fellow 6-footer Olivia Morris (8) they were getting burned on the outside by Williams guards Courtney Sublett (17) and Brittney Peet (10).
Ecclesia used a 7-0 run to get as close as three, but would eventually trail by as many as 30 in the second half. Ashton Abshier led the Lady Royals with 11 points, while Vernisha Moss added 9 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for Ecclesia.
The Lady Royals committed 28 turnovers and shot just 18-of-52 from the floor. Williams Baptist (6-1) finished 17-of-20 from the free throw line and out-rebounded the Lady Royals 38-32.
Roady Weary Lady Royals Bested At Rogers State
By Josh Souza,
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
WOMEN---Ecclesia fell in an early hole and never recovered as they suffered their worse loss of the season falling 87-46 on the road at Rogers State College Friday evening, during first round action of the Rogers State Classic.
RSC built a 44-22 point first half lead and never looked back. 12 players contributed offensively, five of which turned in double figures. Jenny Hardin led Rogers State with 15 points.
Ecclesia (1-5) has dropped four straight since knocking off the University of Art and Science of Oklahoma during the second game of the season, a testament to the Lady Royals grueling schedule which will only get worse in the coming days.
Rogers State is the fourth team Ecclesia has played this season that resides in the Sooner athletic conference, one of the most well respected NAIA conferences in the country.
The Lady Royals were led by Lucinda Sylvain and Ashton Abshier, each of whom scored 11 off the bench.
Turnovers Doom Lady Royals
By Josh Souza, 11/10/09
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SILOAM SPRINGS---Ecclesia committed 24 turnovers in route to an 84-51 loss at the hands of John Brown University Tuesday evening, marking the third straight loss for the Lady Royals.
JBU (1-0) took full advantage of the Ecclesia miscues, racking up a 41-20 half time lead which they would never relinquish. Ashley Taylor led the way for JBU, scoring a game high 19 points off the bench.
“I thought we did a great job of attacking the basket and getting to the line, but we have to limit our mistakes if we are going to beat a team like (John Brown),” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “We were beat too often on the offensive boards and when that happens against a good team your going to be in some trouble.”
Ecclesia (1-4) visited the free throw line 13 more times than hosting JBU, but failed to take advantage shooting 17-of-29. The Lady Royals were led offensively by Kayla Chambers who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
JBU had 12 players contribute offensively led by Jessica Berlin (17) and Chelsea Garrison (10). The Lady Golden Eagles grabbed 20 offensive rebounds on the night. Ecclesia will look to rebound Friday when they travel to Rogers State.
Royals Crack In Walnut Ridge
By Josh Souza, 11/7/09
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
WALNUT RIDGE---Ecclesia led by as many as 12 in the first half, but would go on to turn the ball over 26 times as the Lady Royals fell to Williams Baptist 85-77 in women’s collegiate action Saturday afternoon in Walnut Ridge
“We have got to learn out to close out games and take care of the ball,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “Overall I think we are progressing…we just have to stay focused and figure out a way to put teams away when we have to chance.”
Williams (2-0) used a late first half run to cut the deficit to 41-40 at intermission. The Lady Eagles would go on to outscore Ecclesia 45-36 in the second half, led by the trio of Courtney Sublett (23), Jessica Sheppard (20), and Brittany Jones (16).
Ecclesia (1-3) fought to even the score at 71-71 with under four minutes to play, but effective ball control by Williams and untimely turnovers would prove to be too much to overcome down the stretch.
“Our defense did what they needed to do to make (Williams) work for what they got, but they were just playing nearly perfect clock control,” Meythaler said. “It seemed like the last five minutes they had the ball the entire time.”
Nicole Meredith led the Lady Royals with 16 point, while teammates Vernisha Moss (14 points, 11 rebounds), Carol Casebeer (13), and Lucinda Sylvain (10) each finished in double figures.
Ecclesia will be in action again Tuesday when they travel to Siloam Springs to take on John Brown University.
Lyon Too Much For Ecclesia
By Josh Souza
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
BATESVILLE---Ecclesia hung close for nearly 30 minutes before fading down the stretch, as Lyon pulled away with a 79-57 win over the Lady Royals in women’s collegiate action Thursday evening.
Lyon (1-0) jumped out to an early lead, but Ecclesia answered with a late first half run that cut the deficit to 40-33 at intermission. Unfortunately for the visiting Lady Royals, it would be all Lyon from there.
“Simply put, they kept scoring late and we didn’t,” Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler said. “We hung around for a while and I am proud of the effort. Our offense started fading late…it seemed like we couldn’t hit anything.”
The Lady Scotts outscored Ecclesia 33-21 in the second half, spearheaded by the play of K.K. Hodges, Morgan Myrick (11) and Lauren Ramsey (10), all of whom finished with double figures for Lyon.
Hodges turned in a game high 17 points to go along with 10 rebounds while going 7-of-9 from the free throw line.
“I thought (Kayla) Chambers did a good job on (Hodges) most of the game,” Meythaler said. “Unfortunately (Hodges) is one of those players who demands a lot of attention which opens things up for other people around her.”
Lucinda Sylvain led Ecclesia (1-2) with 11 points, while Mandie Keith added 10 in her collegiate debut. Keith, a graduate of Elkins High School, has been nursing an ankle injury for the past three weeks.
Ecclesia will be in action again Saturday when they travel to Walnut Ridge to take on Williams Baptist College.
Ecclesia Downs USAO
Short Bench Huge in Win
By Josh Souza, 10/31/09
Ecclesia Sports Information Director
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BETHANY, OKLAHOMA---Ecclesia used 26 points from its only two reserves to pull out a 71-60 win over the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Saturday evening, as the Lady Royals walked away from the Southern Nazarene Classic with a 1-1 showing.
“This was probably the biggest win in the history of our program,” said Ecclesia coach Kevin Meythaler. “I didn’t think we gave anymore effort than we have, but we were able to take advantage of mistakes and survive our own…when you can do that you always have a good chance of getting the win.”
Lucinda Sylvain (15) and Vernisha Moss (11) gave short the handed Ecclesia squad a jolt of life, as they finished a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line. The lady Royals finished 22-of-26 from the charity stripe as a team, while only one USAO player even attempted a free throw.
“We girls who like to attack the hoop and get to the line, that is the primary strength of our team,” Meythaler said. “Tonight we were able to make our free throws and that was a huge help.”
Ecclesia (1-1) grabbed a 37-27 lead at the half and used a balanced offensive attack to hold off the Lady Drovers down the stretch. EC Sophomores Kayla Chambers and Nicole Meredith each finished with 12 points for the Lady Royals, while Ashton Abshier added nine.
USAO (1-1) was led by Charitie Lewis, who finished with a game high 24 points. Brooke Smith added 13 as the only other Lady Drover to finish with double figures in scoring.
Ecclesia will be in action again Thursday as they travel to Batesville to take on Lyon College.
Lady Royals Gear-Up For Sophomore Season
By Josh Souza, Ecclesia Sports Information Director
SPRINGDALE--- Despite starting the season with only six players and no upper classmen, the Ecclesia women were a sweet surprise during the 08’-09’ season, as the Lady Royals posted a 12-19 record during their rookie campaign.
The team hovered near the .500 mark for most of the season and will return four sophomores from last year’s squad. Ashton Abshier, a 5-foot-10-inch forward, heads up the returning class as the team’s leading scorer and top 3-point shooter. As a freshman Abshier averaged over 10-points and 6 rebounds per game. Her 53 3-pointers were best on the team, making up nearly 40% of the Lady Royals scoring from behind the arch.
“(Ashton) Abshier was a big part of our offense last year,” said Ecclesia head coach Kevin Meythaler. “She has fully committed herself to improving all aspects of her game over the off-season and that could make all the difference this season.” Abshier will be joined on the front-line by sophomores Kayla Chambers (5’10”-) and Brittani Lang (5’7”), as well as freshmen Vernisha Moss (6’0) and Tinelle Williams (5’10”). Chambers joined the squad mid-way through the 08’-09’ season and averaged nearly 10 points per game coming mostly off the bench. Moss and Williams will add length and strength to the Lady Royals interior, while Lang could play a variety of positions.
“We have a great mix of returning players and new comers which should make for a great team,” Meythaler said. “We have put together a tough schedule for our early part of the season and if we can stay together and get through it we should be ready to make an impact on our region late in the season.”
The Ecclesia back-court will feature returning guards Lucinda Sylvain (5’2”) and Nicole Meredith. The duo will be bolstered by speedy new comers Mandie Keith (5’5”), Carol Casebeer (5’6”), and Lacy Jones (5’2”).
The Lady Royals have shown no fear when it comes to scheduling this season, with trips to U A Fort Smith, Central Arkansas, and John Brown. Ecclesia will also play five games against teams from the Sooner Athletic Conference, considered by many to be one of the toughest NAIA conferences in the country.
