GALLATIN, TN – The Southern Virginia women's basketball team concluded the 2023 Music City Classic with a thrilling comeback, securing a significant overtime victory against the Grove City College Wolverines with a final score of 64-57.
The Knights faced a challenging start in the first quarter, trailing 3-11 with three minutes remaining. However, a strong offensive surge led by Ruth Kempler and Abigail Snyder, each scoring four points, narrowed the gap to 11-12 by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Southern Virginia seized control of the game, taking the lead at 15-12 after consecutive layups from Aysia Foster. Building upon this momentum, they closed the quarter at 26-17, with Maria Savvun's layup in the final seconds leading the Knights into halftime.
After the break, the Wolverines exerted pressure on the Knights' defense, retaking the lead with three minutes remaining. However, a Presley Heggie three-pointer and an Emma Camden layup enabled the Knights to regain the lead, ending the quarter at 37-35.
The fourth quarter saw Grove City ramping up their offense, establishing a commanding 9-point lead with only two and a half minutes remaining. Undeterred, the Knights fought back, with a crucial Savvun three-pointer closing the gap. In the last minute and a half, Snyder's two clutch free throws and a pivotal block from Kempler set the stage for Camilla Norton to hit back-to-back threes, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, the Knights wasted no time, scoring 10 unanswered points, with Snyder contributing six of those, ultimately securing the thrilling victory with a final score of 64-57.
Abigail Snyder led the Knights in scoring with 18 points and achieved a double-double by grabbing 11 rebounds. Kempler also posted a double-double, recording back-to-back games with 10 rebounds as well as 12 points, and two blocks.
Looking ahead, the Knights are set to return to conference play in the USA South as they continue next year on Wednesday, January 3rd, for a contest against Pfeiffer University. The upcoming matchup marks the sixth meeting between the two teams, with the Knights holding a 5-0 edge in previous encounters.
