BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Bridgewater College women’s basketball closed senior night with a defensive statement Friday Jan. 30, using a second half push to roll past Averett University 69-42 in Nininger Hall.

The Eagles either trailed or held slim leads through the first half of play before a defensive front and energy surge turned the game in BC’s favor. Bridgewater held Averett without a field goal in the 4th quarter while outscoring the Cougars by 17 points in that final frame.  

Behind a balanced offense, senior guard Riley Corcoran led the team with 21 points, including 10 made free throws, while senior guard Jay Garcia added 15 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Jaiden Polston chipped in with 12 points of her own. 

After a tight opening quarter that saw BC take the lead 14-12, the Eagles and Cougars traded points through the second quarter, leaving BC ahead 28-25 at the half. 

Head Coach Stephanie Flamini said the energy shift at halftime changed the trajectory of the game. 

“We talked a lot about energy,” Flamini said. “I think to start, being Senior Day, we were all a little sad, and I think we came out flat because of that. So I think the biggest thing was, at halftime, making sure that we lock down more on defense, but we really have to bring that energy in the beginning of the second half to try to get us going.”

Flamini added that communication and effort are huge factors to her squad’s success, especially their defense. She also said that Bridgewater’s defense has been a strength all season, and pointed back to their national ranking defensive efforts from last season.

“A lot of my outside shots weren’t falling,” Corcoran said. “So I know what I have to do in order to score and help my team as much as I can.” 

Despite the emotion of senior day, Corcoran said she tried her best to maintain focus by sticking to what she does best.

“They are Bridgewater basketball,” Flamini said in praise of her senior group. “There’s no doubt about it.” 

Corcoran said the team wants to win an ODAC Championship and that to keep playing basketball, they have to keep winning. So that’s what she would like to do. 

The rest of Bridgewater women’s basketball’s season schedule can be found here : https://bridgewatereagles.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule