USI’s Lady Eagles picked up a win and conference title Thursday night as they defeated Bellarmine University 73-53.
Finishing off the last road game of a series at Bellarmine, the women used spot-on-shooting and stifling defense to shut out the Knights and clench the GLVC East Division title.
“Our league really is the cream of the crop,” Head Coach Rick Stein said. “To win the East Division and secure the first conference game at home are two great things to happen in one night.”
Coming off a tough loss at Kentucky Wesleyan College where, self-admittedly, the Eagles didn’t play well, the ladies were all smiles with the win.
“We didn’t play like USI at KWC. We knew it, everyone knew it,” junior Cootie Leeberg said. “We came out here and played good defense which led to good offense.”
The Lady Eagles opened the first half with five quick points by Amie Newhart.
Throughout the first half, the Eagles continued to apply pressure. From 11:13 left in the first half until 2:25, the Lady Knights didn’t score a field goal.
This aggressive defense and great first half rebounding of 21-8 in favor of the Eagles helped secure a comfortable lead of 42-22 to end the half.
“They played really well the first half,” Stein said. “That may have been our best shooting percentage to date.”
The ladies came out a little stagnant the second half of the game, but picked up the pace after limiting their fouls and getting back into the flow.
“We got a slow start the second half,” Stein said. “Once we limited some fouls though, were able to get back on it and play well again.”
Leeberg scored all of her 11 points in the second half of the game. She joined fellow teammates Ellen Young and Amie Newhart in scoring double figure points.
“Everyone was playing well the second half,” Leeberg said. “Mine just happened to come at the right time.”
With the win, the ladies successfully won the Eastern Division to ensure they get the first conference game at home.