Buena Vista, VA - In a season filled with great anticipation, the Southern Virginia University women's basketball team produced a historic campaign to vault themselves into national contention. In Lynette Schroeder's sixth season at the helm, the Knights finished with an all-time program best 26 wins, and a third USA South title in four seasons.

With the Knights already establishing themselves as perennial contenders at the conference level, they were determined to take another step and make noise throughout the region. A full slate of competitive games provided several opportunities for signature victories.

The squad opened their season with two games on the road. After dismantling Lynchburg in a 76-44 victory, the stage was set for the Knights first big test of the season against local rival Washington and Lee, a top ten team in the preseason national rankings. 

The team hung tough through the first half, buoyed by the play of starting center Ruth Kempler, who scored nine of the team's first twelve points. A strong third quarter helped the Knights pull within two, but the Generals ultimately staved off an opening day upset in the final minutes. Despite the loss, Southern Virginia had put the country on notice.

After winning four of their next five games, perhaps an even more daunting opponent made a visit to Buena Vista, in the eighth ranked Captains from Christopher Newport. With eyes set on the program's first ever win against a top ten opponent, Maria Savvun played hero in the Knights final possession, converting on a driving layup before Alyssa Weiland drew a charge with four seconds remaining to seal an emphatic win, 69-65.

Abigail Snyder canned four triples to lead the game in scoring with 18 points. Her all-around performance was a sign of her All-Region worthy play throughout the rest of the season. With new-found momentum, the Knights were determined to build on a historic win.

When asked about her team's play in high-pressure games, Head Coach Lynette Schroeder lauded the team for their self-belief.

"Their confidence, team cohesiveness, and understanding of the game improved because of the work they put in over the offseason. They believed in themselves and each other, and knew they could compete at an elite level."

What took place over the next three months of the season would put this year's edition of the team at the top of the record books. The Knights rattled off a program record 24 consecutive victories, including an undefeated mark against USA South opponents. They also captured another key regional victory on the road against Bridgewater. Snyder canned a corner through after a well-executed inbounds play, propelling the Knights to a 59-52 victory.

As the conference's top seed, they breezed through the first two rounds of the tournament, setting up a battle with Brevard College in the USA South Tournament final.

Addison Newman rose to the occasion at the right time again, helping the Knights lead wire-to-wire in the championship game with her 22 point outing to earn Tournament MVP for the second year in a row. Highlighted by their stingy defense and Aysia Foster's two blocks, Southern Virginia defeated their conference rival, 57-45, capturing their second consecutive title.

Fittingly, it was a strong senior class that led the effort in another title run. Alyssa Weiland was also extremely effective throughout the tournament, capped by her 12 points and 6 rebounds in the title game. Taylor Hoopes and Camilla Norton also contributed points in the effort.

After claiming an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, the Knights traveled to Scranton, Pennsylvania for an opening round matchup with Bates College. In the opening quarter, Southern Virginia struggled from the floor and fell into a double-digit hole. But with their sights set on a deep tournament run, the team clawed their way back with a relentless attack to reclaim the lead in the fourth quarter.

However, an off-balanced shot brought the magical season to an end and the Knights fell short, 55-53. While the squad had greater aspirations for the tournament, numerous records and milestones were met in one of the winningest seasons in program history.

Individual Accolades

In addition to the most overall wins, and most consecutive wins in program history, several Knights received recognition in the postseason awards. Abigail Snyder was voted to the USA South All-Conference First Team for the second time, while Ruth Kempler earned second team honors. Perhaps even more notably, Snyder was named to the D3hoops.com All-Region Second Team for the first time in her career after a phenomenal all-around season.

Aysia Foster was the recipient of a major award as she became just the second Knight to be named conference Defensive Player of the Year. Foster became just the second in program history to finish with over 50 blocks in one season. She also was named honorable mention all-conference for her efforts.

Adding to a plethora of accolades, Lynette Schroeder was named USA South Coach of the Year for the second time in four seasons. She also surpassed a big milestone after a win over William Peace in late February, collecting her 100th career victory as Head Coach of the Knights. While Schroeder boasts loads of success on her resumé, she was quick to highlight her team for the tremendous success over the last few seasons.

"I'm proud of their commitment to be all in and truly embody what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. They did their best to lift others up, compete day in and day out, and be a team any institution would be proud of. I love these women and am humbled to be their coach."

The team bids farewell to a group of seniors who emerged as the winningest class in program history, collecting three conference championships and three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Addison Newman in particular left her name littered on the program record books, finishing as the tenth highest scorer in program history.

"They all have left their personal marks on our program through their unique leadership styles. Addy's impact throughout her four years has been invaluable and her example will continue to have positive, far reaching effects," stated Schroeder.

With a winning culture in place, and a team that has become accustomed to winning against some of the nation's best, the Knights are poised for even greater success in the future.

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