MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Berry Women's basketball took on Southwestern University Friday night at the Cage Center where Berry was able to come away with a 64-54 win to move onto 14-8 overall, along with 8-3 in the SAA.
Lauren Ellard was the story with 16 points and some tough defensive efforts to couple with 7 rebounds to propel the Vikings to the victory.
Elly Callihan got the night started for the Vikings on the free-throw line, nailing both of her attempts. Lauren Ellard got the bulk of the offense going during the first half, recording ten points during the half. The first half consisted of Berry and Southwestern going back and forth until the Vikings were able to climb to a nine-point lead, leading 25-16 at the break. Berry was able to outscore the Pirates impressively 15 to one in the second quarter to gain the advantage.
Southwestern got back into the game quick into the second half, making the score 33-33 with 2:50 to go in the third quarter. Even though the three-point shot was not falling for the Vikings, going 1-12 from beyond the arc so far, the Vikings were able to respond with eight unanswered points. At the end of the third, Berry remained in the lead 44-35. The Viking defense has been active so far, creating 11 total turnovers. The start of the fourth quarter played a similar theme with Berry staying in front by six or more points most of the way. However, Southwestern was able to cut the lead down to two as Berry started to get into foul trouble late into the game. Briaiah Lewis then took over on both ends of the floor to regain the momentum for the Vikings after a costly backcourt violation from Southwestern, and held on for the conference win. Ellard led the team with 16 points.
Berry is back in action Sunday at home on their senior day against Trinity University.
