Lady Koala Rally Not Enough in loss on Senior Day

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College women's basketball team rallied in the 4th quarter but fell short in the end as 3rd seeded Reinhardt University defeated the Koalas 70-59 on Senior Day.

Columbia honored seniors Tamyra Davis, Callie Hermanson and JuJu Stringfellow before the game Saturday but the Lady Eagles spoiled the fun running out to a quick 20-9 lead after the first quarter. Columbia then rallied to get within six points in the second quarter but RU went on a run of their own to end the second quarter 15-12 and take a 35-21 halftime lead.

RU would then increase their advantage in the third quarter running their lead up to 20 points at 56-36 after three quarters. However, Columbia would then start the fourth quarter by going on a 19-4 run to crawl all the way to within 5 points at 60-55 with 3:30 to play. However, Reinhardt finished the game on a 10-4 run to clinch the win and the third seed in the AAC Tournament at 17-5. 

CC was led by 18 points from sophomore guard Tysonia "Sunshine" Lowe. and 15 points from junior point guard Layla Wall. Wall also added 5 rebounds and 5 assists while Lowe chipped in 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Junior wing Makayla Street dropped in 12 points off the bench with 3 boards and 4 steals while sophomore guard Jadein Haynes picked up five steals with 3 points as well. Senior forward Tamyra Davis also recorded 7 points and 5 rebounds and a steal in the tough loss.

Columbia finishes their best regular season in school history at 18-11 while their 11 conference wins and 18 overall are school records. CC (11-11) has clinched the #8 seed in the upcoming AAC tournament and will open the event from Kingsport, TN on Wednesday morning at 11 am against #9 seed Truett-McConnell (9-13).