CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — The Campbellsville University Lady Tigers, ranked No. 10 in the NAIA, bounced back from Saturday's disappointing loss at Shawnee State with an 80-73 victory over No.14 Bethel University Tuesday night. Junior guard Ellen Sholtes had a stand-out game, achieving career highs in four categories. Not only did she give CU 11 points and five rebounds, but also led all players with six assists and steals.
"Sholtes came in and did a great job today," said head coach Ginger Colvin. "Our team is deep and we had a few players really step up."
CU scored the first point of the game with a foul shot from Daizah Kimberland, but soon fell behind as Bethel put a quick eight points on the board. With just over 10 minutes left in the first half, sophomore guard Alisha Gentry accounted for nine of the Wildcat's 19 points. Lindsey Burd brought CU's energy up with back-to-back rebounds allowing the Lady Tigers to put up a couple of quick shots and trail by only two, 19-17. BU called a timeout in an effort to stop Campbellsville's momentum, but to no avail. The Lady Tigers claimed the lead on Mrashi Karumba's 3-pointer, and eventually found themselves ahead by eight (27-19) after a 12-0 run and four steals from Sholtes. BU was unable to claim the lead again in the half, but stayed within arms reach behind by only a few points. Courtney Clifton led CU at the half with 14 points.
The second period was much like the last 10 minutes of the first, with Bethel barely trailing. BU's Jasmine Taylor was instrumental in the Wildcats' efforts, scoring 15 in the half, giving her a total of 22 points. With only six minutes remaining, a Gentry basket brought the score to a 63-63 tie. Clifton and Sholtes combined for CU's next nine points, and Bethel was never able to overcome the deficit.
"It was no doubt a good win," said Colvin. "Bethel is a really nice team. They have played a tough schedule but we should have won this game, and we did. We are a little banged up right now with a couple injuries. Our girls stepped up, though, and we did what we needed to do. Bethel did out-rebound us, but we took it to them for the most part."
Clifton led all scorers with 26 points, 12 from 3 point range, and was the only Lady Tiger player in double digits other than Sholtes. Sophomore forward Mary Jehlik also had an impressive performance with 12 boards, five of them offensive.
Campbellsville (13-3) will return to Powell Athletic Center Saturday at 2 p.m. EST against Bluefield College.
"Bluefield is an athletic team," said Colvin. "We definitely aren't overlooking them."
The game will be televised on WLCU-TV (Comcast Channel 10) and broadcast on WLCU 88.7FM. Live streams of both the TV and radio broadcast will be available at www.campbellsvilletigers.com.
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