St. Louis, Mo. - On a day in which four Missouri Baptist women's basketball senior players were honored, the team was able to beat Hannibal-LaGrange 66-59.
Before the game started seniors Janelle Hensold, Chelsea Prosser, Andrea Seabaugh and Kayla Tisza were honored with flowers, autographed basketballs and pictures with their family. Hensold, was unable to play due to an injury she suffered in the previous game against Columbia College.
The first half started out quick for the Spartans. The team jumped out to a 17-16 lead, after a two point jumper made by Andrea Seabaugh. The Lady Trojans grabbed an 18-17 lead and held off the Spartans for the final nine minutes, for the 34-31 lead at the half.
Missouri Baptist shot 46% and was led by Lauren Taylor who had 13 points in the first 20 minutes. Ashley Wilson had 10 rebounds for Hannibal-LaGrange.
At the 16 minute mark of the second half, the Lady Trojans extended their lead to 11 after an Ashley Willson two point basket. Wilson was a dominate force in the game for Hannibal-LaGrange, as she scored 22 points and had 21 rebounds.
In three minutes, the Spartans went on a 12-0 run, finished off by a three pointer made by Lauren Taylor, giving the team a 46-45 advantage. The Lady Trojans grabbed the lead again and held on for the next seven minutes, with their biggest lead being six. However, Mandy Kirby came down the court and gave the Spartans the 60-58 lead after a two point basket, with just under four minutes to go.
The team was able to hold on for the seven point win. This is the third win in four games for the Spartans, after a tough stretch where the team lost 11 in a row. MBU shot 46% in the second half, while holding the Lady Trojans to 32%.
Junior Lauren Taylor was an offensive threat all game for the team, having 18 points on 7-12 shooting. Mandy Kirby added 11 and a team leading six assists and senior Chelsea Prosser had 10 points and seven rebounds on 5-8 shooting.
The teams' record moves to 9-18 and will head on the road to Park University on February 23rd at 5:30 p.m.
