Despite one of Western Carolina women’s basketball’s best performances of the season, the Catamounts fell to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 66-43 on Sunday.
After a fast start, the Catamounts and Chanticleers traded leads until Coastal Carolina eventually got in a rhythm and took a 35-22 lead at half-time. The Catamounts then took the momentum in the third quarter and outscored the Chanticleers 14-13 while boasting a 44.4 three-point percentage. Coastal Carolina had a strong fourth quarter to extend their lead and end the game with a 23-point lead.
Western Carolina drained nine three-pointers in the game, making it the seventh time in eight games that the Catamounts have hit seven or more three-pointers in a game.
Sophomore guard, Jewel Smalls, had a standout performance, surpassing two of her previous career-high stats. Smalls broke her career-high for three-pointers in a game, draining five threes which surpassed her previous mark of four she set earlier in the season. She snagged a career-best 18 rebounds, three more than her previous mark of 15. Smalls also extended her double-figure performance streak to five straight games with her 18-point night.
Catamounts head coach, Kiley Hill featured the third different starting lineup of the season, with Tembre Moates making her first start. Moates went 75 percent from the field making three of her four attempts for a total of six points. Moates led the defensive effort with two blocks and two rebounds.
Redshirt Junior guard, Lauren LaPlant, has made at least one three-pointer in all eight games of the season. LaPlant had one three-pointer and a field goal to notch five points on the night.
Sunday’s matchup marked the two universities’ 13th matchup, with Coastal Carolina taking a seven to six lead in the series. The series is now tied 3-to-3 in the Ramsey Center.
The Catamounts will be back in action Wednesday, Nov. 27 as they travel to Gardner Webb to take on the Runnin’ Bulldogs. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and live stats will be available through the Catamount Athletics website.
Kate's Corner 