Buena Vista, Va. – The Southern Virginia University women's basketball team is headed to the USA South Conference Championship after a commanding 69-50 victory over Methodist University.

The Knights came out strong, jumping to a 7-0 lead capped off by a Maria Savvun three-pointer. However, the Monarchs battled back, tying the game at 19-19 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter mirrored the first, with Aysia Foster, Addison Newman, and Alyssa Weiland sparking another quick start to put Southern Virginia ahead 25-19. Both defenses tightened up, leading to a two-minute scoring drought until Ruth Kempler broke the silence with a pair of free throws. Methodist once again fought back, evening the score at 29-29 with a minute remaining. However, Camilla Norton responded with a clutch three-pointer, and Hailey Paige knocked down two free throws to give the Knights a 34-30 halftime lead—one they would not surrender.

Southern Virginia dominated on second-chance points in the first half, outscoring Methodist 9-4, while the Monarchs found success in the paint, scoring 20 of their 30 first-half points inside.

The second half was all Knights, as their defense tightened up, allowing just four points in the paint the rest of the way. The third quarter proved pivotal, as the Knights' transition offense flourished. Weiland, Kempler, and Foster led the charge, extending the lead into double digits for the first time. By the end of the period, Southern Virginia had built a 54-40 advantage.

The Knights wasted no time in the fourth, opening with six unanswered points and stretching the lead to 20 off a jumper from Foster. A Taylor Hoopes three-pointer sealed the victory as Southern Virginia closed out the 69-50 win in dominant fashion.

Weiland led all scorers with 14 points, while Foster delivered an efficient 6-7 shooting night, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Newman contributed across the board with eight points, eight rebounds, and six assists, and Abigail Snyder led the team in rebounds with nine while also tallying a team-high three steals.

Southern Virginia now turns its attention to the USA South Championship Game, where they will face the #2 seed Brevard College at Knight Arena on Saturday, March 1st, at 4:00 PM. The Knights will look to capture their first conference title on their home court.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_wbb on Instagram.