Ginger Colvin is a former elementary school teacher, so she knows a
little something about quizzes when gauging student progress. She also
knows you can't use trick questions.
Her women's basketball team had received solid marks following the Lady Tigers' first two games, winning both by an average margin of 60 points. But Saturday her squad stepped up in class in McKenzie, Tenn. and CU got its first real test against No. 19 Bethel University.
Bethel 66, Campbellsvile 65.
Not a passing grade by anyone's standards, even though Bethel was 6-0 (4-0 at home) and had just come off a 93-87 overtime win over sister MSC school Lindsey Wilson. Campbellsville won last year's game when
Melly Heaton drained a last-second shot.
Playing with her team in foul trouble since the 15-minute mark of the first half, the Lady Tigers (2-1) lead by 10 at one time before intermission. But the Lady Wildcats gradually cut into the margin and only took the lead when Hailee Deckard hit a shot with 19 second to go.
"They have an outstanding team," said Colvin, "but we kinda got behind the eight ball with some of the calls. It's pretty frustrating."
Campbellsville nursed a four-point lead with two minutes to go and had an opportunity to hold Bethel at bay, but misfired on three of its last four free throws.
Colvin's team was led by
Courtney Clifton's 17 points and the double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) of
Whitney Ballinger. Ballinger became the Lady Tigers' all-time leading shot blocker when she tipped a shot early in the first half giving her 270 for her three-year career.
"We played poorly at times, but we played well enough to win too," said Colvin. "We just lost on road to a Trans South (Conference) team. We'll recover, we'll bounce back."
The Lady Tigers take to the hardwood again on Saturday when they travel to Lebanon, Tenn. for a 3 o'clock encounter with Cumberland University.
"It will be nice having a week off so we can work on a few things," said Colvin. "It will be the last time we have a week break the rest of the season."
SCORING
Bethel University (66) - Lyles 7, Wallsmith 9, Harris 4, Carter 7, Deckard 16, Hamilton 4, Roney 14,George 3, Trull 2. Totals 26-39 13-22 66.
Lady Tigers (65) - Lee 6, Heaton 2, Danis 12, Clifton 17, Ballinger 16, Thomas 4, Isaacs 4, Dunn 4 . Totals 22-61 17-23 65.
Half-time - Campbellsville 31-26.
Three-point goals - Bethel 1, Campbellsville 4-19.
Rebounds - Bethel 39 Campbellsville 44.
