HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The William Carey women’s basketball team lost its regular-season finale Saturday, falling 69–64 to Blue Mountain Christian University.
Blue Mountain struck first with an early jumper from Lena Taylor, but Carey responded quickly behind Shaneal Corpuz. The teams traded baskets through the opening minutes. Brooklyn Cuevas and Jenna Garriga hit three-pointers to give the Lady Crusaders an 8–4 lead midway through the first quarter.
Blue Mountain settled in late, tying the game at 8–8 on a layup from McKenzie Williams. Kathryn Echols then connected from deep to give the Toppers an 11–10 lead after the first quarter. Carey opened the second quarter with back-to-back threes from Cuevas and Corpuz to reclaim a 16–13 advantage.
After Blue Mountain scored five straight points, Addyson Sherer hit a three to put Carey back in front, 19–18. Lena Taylor’s three gave the Toppers a 23–19 lead, but Carey finished the half strong. Buckets from Bailey Devall and Leah Sutton, along with a three-point play from Corpuz, sent Carey into halftime up 29–26.
Blue Mountain started the third quarter with a three from Taylor to tie the game. The Toppers used a 5–0 run to build a 38–33 lead with under seven minutes remaining in the frame. They maintained control, stretching the lead to nine before taking a 50–39 advantage into the fourth.
Carey began the final period with four straight points to cut the deficit to 50–43. However, Blue Mountain kept the Lady Crusaders at arm’s length, never allowing them to get closer than seven points until the final minute. With BMCU leading 65–58, Carey mounted a late rally. Sherer hit a clutch three, followed by a long-range shot from Anna Rose Engle to make it 65–62 with 15 seconds remaining.
Fouled on the next possession, Carey sent Isabella Carlson to the free-throw line. She made one of two free throws to help seal the win for Blue Mountain. Garriga led the Lady Crusaders with 13 points, and Cuevas added 10.
William Carey now shifts its focus to the SSAC Championship, scheduled for February 25–28 at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. The Lady Crusaders will open postseason play on Thursday, February 26, against Life University at 8 p.m.
