Women's Basketball Extinguish Flames

GALLATIN, Tenn.- The women's basketball team picked up a road win on Monday. Tennessee Wesleyan jumped out of conference play and defeated the Welch College Lady Flames 73-57.

Wesleyan opened the game with high energy, taking control early with Jacelyn Stone's layup to set the tone. Ella Crowder made an immediate impact off the bench, grabbing an offensive rebound and converting it into a putback, giving the Bulldogs a 5-4 edge. Their defensive discipline caused turnovers, and Abbey Barr's scoring contributions extended the lead. Tennessee Wesleyan finished the quarter ahead 20-11, establishing dominance from the outset.

Welch showed signs of life in the second quarter, narrowing the gap with timely jump shots from Lindsey Wright and Karilyn Wieting. However, the Bulldogs countered with strong rebounding and efficient scoring. Alexis Bates added critical points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer, allowing Wesleyan to maintain their lead 33-27 at halftime.

The third quarter featured a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging buckets. Stone remained pivotal for Wesleyan, driving to the basket for layups and completing a three-point play to fend off Welch's runs. Jaci Powell contributed crucial defensive stops and second-chance opportunities to help the Bulldogs enter the fourth quarter up 51-47.

The Bulldogs broke the game wide open in the final quarter, holding Welch to just 10 points. Julia Howard stepped up with timely layups off assists from Anna Crowder, while Sierra Bates capitalized on offensive rebounds to keep the scoreboard moving. Wesleyan's defense intensified, forcing turnovers and limiting Welch's offensive rhythm. A late surge led by Stone and Abbey Barr sealed the commanding 16-point victory.

Stone led the offense with 20 points to go along with 11 points from A. Crowder and 10 points from S. Bates

TWU stays on the road as they jump back in conference play on Wednesday against Brenau University. The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.