Koalas Win in Overtime Thriller

The weight has been lifted and the team can start to breathe a sigh of relief as the losing streak finally came to an end Saturday afternoon. In a season that has had numerous close call games, the Koalas were able to walk away with a feeling of gratification as they walked off the court with a 82-80 overtime victory over the Buffalos of Milligan College. 

The Koalas win was a well fought battle that incorporated a number of individual efforts to accomplish a singular goal. Starting for the first time this season (in place of injured senior Victoria Williams) was Sophomore Jaida Hawes. Her speed and quick hands on defense led to her having a 16 point, 11 rebound, 2 assist and 3 steal afternoon. Hawes recorded her first double-double of the season. With her being in the starting rotation the Koalas clearly had an upperhand on the defensive side of the ball. Along with Hawes at the Guard position was freshman Ellona Moulds, who also had a big night driving the ball into the paint and getting to the the free-throw line. Moulds finished with 17 points. 

Rounding out the top scorers was junior Denijah Johnson. Johnson had 21 points, 18 rebounds, 7 blocks and 4 steals. With the win and this performance Denijah received the AAC conference player of the week award. She is currently leading the conference in total steals and blocks. She is currently averaging a double-double on the season with 15.7 ppg and 10.6 rpg. She is also ranked #3 in NAIA Div. II womens basketball for offensive rebounds per game (5.1) and #5 for blocks per game (2.6). If she continues to perform and the team continues to win she would be a definite candidate for AAC player of the year.

There were other contributors to the team win on Saturday. Junior Hanna Kinard had 7 points and 4 blocks while freshman Chaniya Monroe had 5 points off the bench which were in crucial moments. Jenesai Mohammed had 8 point and 4 steals. And Mary Wemberly, who also came off the bench, had 7 points and provided a big spark for the team and fans when she stepped on the floor.

The Koalas are back on the road on Tuesday as they travel to Point University. Thursday the ladies travel to Tennessee Wesleyan, and Saturday they return home to battle against the Brenau Tigers at 2:00pm.