The Lady Rams and West Liberty University Hilltoppers both came into Thursday night’s game with 16-7 records. However, Shepherd was able to walk out with the better record thanks to their 77-72 win.
With this record and only four games left in the regular season, head coach Jenna Eckleberry feels confident with where the team stands.
“We like where we are at right now. All we have to do is worry about us,” coach Eckleberry said.
Although nobody would know it based on the second half, the Lady Rams were slow to start at the beginning of the game. West Liberty maintained a steady lead throughout the first half.
The Lady Rams didn’t get within two points of the Hilltoppers until over ten minutes into the game. Shepherd finally managed to take the lead with 7:00 left in the half with a 25-24 score. The Rams and Hilltoppers ended the half tied at 38.
Despite the lagging first half, Eckleberry was never worried.
“West Liberty is a solid team, and they are good with the fast break,” she said, “I knew that our girls just had to get used to it and we would get back in the game.”
Just 3:35 into the second half, Shepherd took the lead for good. The Rams led by as many as 11 points, but the Hilltoppers were able to close the gap and only trail by five in the end.
The Rams were led by senior center Gabby Flinchum who scored a game-high 21 points and had a career-high 19 rebounds.
Freshman guard Morgan Arden and senior guard Rachel Johnson contributed 15 points each.
The Lady Rams were able to walk out with a big sense of accomplishment, and Eckleberry thinks that is well deserved.
“The girls really competed and showed a lot of heart tonight. They could have given in during the first half when they were behind, but they didn’t. I’m very pleased with the way the girls played tonight. Usually there is good and bad in each game. When you win against West Liberty, there is no bad.”
Next up for the Rams will be a Saturday contest against Wheeling Jesuit.