07 Feb 2024 Warriors take down Stormy Petrels

Posted at 4:27 PMh in Sports by

Conway — Playing host for one of the last times this season, the Warriors went to battle Tuesday against the Stormy Petrels of Oglethorpe, coming out on top by a final score of 79-72. This was the Warriors’ first win in SAA play this season. 

It was a back-and-forth affair in the first quarter, with both teams trading blows as if we were watching a Rocky vs Apollo Creed matchup (RIP Carl Weathers). The two went into the Second quarter with a score of 18-16 with the Warriors on top. 

It was much of the same at the start of the second, with both teams trading baskets until the Warriors went on a 7-0 run ignited by a Megan Gray 3 pointer with 3:18 remaining in the half. Going into the half, the Warriors were up 37-26. 

Coming out of the break, the Warriors caught fire thanks in part to a 3 point barrage by Ava Knoedl, knocking down 7 on the night, a career high. The Warriors would lead by as much as 17 in the half. Oglethorpe would not go down without a fight, as they clawed back to make it a 7-point game going into the final quarter of the game. 

In true Fight of the Night fashion, the final 10 minutes were full of action and anxiety for both teams. A massive 3 from Natalie Edmonson would stretch the lead out to 8, but the Petrels wouldn’t stop fighting. With 5:38 left in the game, Oglethorpe fought to make it a 4-point game, but with a flurry of points from Shelby Heil, Knoedl & Riley Brady, the Warriors would push their lead out by 8. With the game nearing a finale, the same issue that has plagued these young Warriors all season seemed to be happening all over again, but a game-clinching 3 by Knoedl pushed the Warriors to a lead too much to overcome, as the Warriors would take down the Stormy Petrels.

Ava Knoedl took the saying, “Shooter’s shoot” to heart tonight, eclipsing a career high 29 points. Riley Brady had yet another dominant game, ending her night with 17 points paired with 15 rebounds, marking her 10th double-double on the season. Megan Gray & Natalie Edmonson were huge coming off the bench, adding 7 & 8 points. Brailey Forst had a great game as well off the bench, grabbing 7 boards in the contest. 

The win brings the Warriors to 3-18 (1-9 SAA) on the season. Hendrix will finish their last home game this season on Sunday as they get set to host the Berry Vikings. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM with the Warriors celebrating lone Senior Maddie Pardeck.