Women’s Basketball Returns to Conference Action at Ferrum

Lynchburg Women’s Basketball Prepares for ODAC Showdown Against Ferrum

The University of Lynchburg women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting return to Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) action as they face off against Ferrum College this Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Ferrum, Virginia. With a current record of 5-5 and 2-1 in conference play, the Hornets are looking to build momentum after a recent split in their schedule.

Recent Performance and Key Players

The Hornets recently participated in the Music City Classic, where they faced tough competition. After a narrow loss to Franklin & Marshall, Lynchburg bounced back with a solid 68-55 victory over Webster. This win was highlighted by the standout performance of senior guard Olivia Harris, who tied her career-high with 24 points and secured her second double-double of the season by also grabbing 11 rebounds. Freshman guard Audra Petty also made a significant impact, scoring a collegiate-best 19 points while contributing six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

As the season progresses, Lynchburg has seen several players emerge as key contributors. Harris leads the team with an average of 11.7 points per game, closely followed by junior forward Bree Spainhour at 11.4 ppg and sophomore guard Kate Littlejohn at 10.8 ppg. This trio has been instrumental in the Hornets’ offensive strategy, showcasing their ability to score from various positions on the court.

Historical Context and Rivalry

The matchup against Ferrum carries historical significance, as Lynchburg holds a 15-13 record in the series since 1995. The Hornets enjoyed a dominant stretch from 2014 to 2023, winning ten consecutive meetings against the Panthers. However, that streak came to an end in the ODAC postseason, with Ferrum narrowly defeating Lynchburg 67-64 in their last encounter on February 7, 2024. In that game, the Panthers outscored the Hornets 18-9 in the fourth quarter, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry.

Strengths and Strategies

This season, Lynchburg has excelled in three-point shooting, leading the ODAC with an average of 7.5 three-pointers made per game. They also boast the second-best team three-point percentage in the conference at 30.4%. Freshman guard Audra Petty has been a standout in this area, leading the conference with an impressive 48.9% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, having made 22 of her 45 attempts.

On the other hand, Ferrum presents a unique challenge. Despite being the lowest-scoring offense in the ODAC, averaging just 54.5 points per game, the Panthers have established themselves as a formidable defensive unit, allowing only 50.1 points per game. Graduate guard Aisha Martin leads Ferrum’s offense with an average of 12.5 points per game, while junior forward Allyson Cassell contributes 11.9 ppg, making them the primary scoring threats for the Panthers.

Looking Ahead

Following the matchup against Ferrum, the Hornets will continue their ODAC journey with a game against Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday, January 11, at 2 p.m. This upcoming stretch is crucial for Lynchburg as they aim to solidify their position in the conference standings.

For fans and supporters eager to stay updated on the latest news and developments regarding Lynchburg athletics, the university’s official athletics website, LynchburgSports.com, offers comprehensive coverage. Additionally, fans can sign up for email updates, follow Lynchburg Sports on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter), and tune in to the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network for live coverage of games.

As the Hornets prepare for this pivotal matchup against Ferrum, the excitement is palpable, and the team is determined to reclaim their winning ways in the ODAC.