WINONA LAKE, In.--- On day three of the NCCAA National Tournament, the Asbury women's basketball team (No. 7) took on regional opponent Kentucky Christian (No. 8) for fifth place in the tournament, as well as their closing game for their 2022-2023 season. AU finished their season and the tournament with a monstrous win over KCU, 75-45.

It was sophomore, Haleigh Releford who stepped up to lead the Eagles to victory against KCU, leading the team with 23 points and five steals. Releford was hot on the court, shooting 10-17 in the field, a season-high, and grabbing three buckets from the distance, another season-high. 

Junior, Trinity Shearer was another key player for the Eagles grabbing 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Shearer went for 50% in the field while grabbing two steals as well. 

Tiffani Riley was a massive help to AU's 75 leading the team with four assists, while grabbing seven points and two steals. Morgan Flannery found an easy nine points against KCU, all from drained three's. 

Spencer Harvey was the driving force under the rim for AU, leading with seven rebounds.

Kentucky Christian was the one to grab the lead first, going up by nine in the first two minutes of the game. Haleigh Releford grabbed AU's first points of the game with a clean three. Despite good efforts put up by AU in the first, KCU powered forward with their offense and outscored the Eagles 22-11 to give them a lead at the end of the first. 

AU retaliated hard in the second with help from Haleigh Releford and Trinity Shearer, who both grabbed eight points and two steals.

Asbury grabbed eight points in the first four minutes of the second to begin their run of 19. The Eagles defense began to step up and held Kentucky Christian to just six points for the second. Despite being behind in the first, AU took their spot in front and went up at half, 30-26. 

The Eagles didn't stop there and went on to score another 23 against Kentucky Christian in the third, compared to their 13. Releford aided AU once again and grabbed eight points in the third. Contributors to Asbury's highest scoring-quarter included Trinity Shearer, Tiffani Riley, Megan Bellamy, Haley Southerland, Abigail Harris, and Kayla Harlow. Asbury increased their lead at the end of the third, 53-39.

Kentucky Christian was led by No. 10 Jada Higgins with 10 points and eight rebounds.

This was AU's second matchup with KCU this season, and both times Asbury has come out on top, giving the Eagles a sweep over KCU for the season. 

In the fourth, AU went on to grab another 22 points and help KCU to just four points. Trinity Shearer was a help to AU in the fourth, grabbing six points, with Aaliyah Edenstrom following behind with four points. Despite early advances made by Kentucky Christian, Asbury pushed back hard and grabbed the win, 75-45. 

The Eagles' win against Kentucky Christian officially wraps up the 2022-2023 season and AU will finish with a record of 19-11. Asbury women's basketball holds the title of Mid-East Regional Champions and steps up to No. 5 in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association. 


* Haleigh Releford | 23 PTS, 5 STL, 10-17 FG (Season-High), 3-7 Three's (Season-High)
* Trinity Shearer | 16 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
* Tiffani Riley | 7 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL
* Morgan Flannery | 5 AST
* Spencer Harvey | 7 REB


* Asbury grabbed 14 steals and forced 27 turnovers from their opponents.
* Asbury grabbed 38 points in the paint and 30 points from their opponent's 27 turnovers.
* Asbury only allowed 23 points in the last three quarters combined. 


"I can't even begin to describe how happy I am with this team. I absolutely love this group so much. They have elevated our program to new heights for sure. They had a lot going against them to begin this season and they never complained the first time. Instead, they worked hard and became a team that won 9 of their last 11 games, with an opportunity to win both of those games. 

The future looks great for the program because of the way our seniors have led and the shape they're leaving it in. Jac, Meg, Chey, and Kiely are nothing short of amazing. They have taken Asbury Women's Basketball to another level and will be missed tremendously."
Chad Mayes | Head Coach

"We ended the season with a great team win. We wanted to end this season on a high note and we did just that. We had some rough patches throughout the season but we came together and pulled through. I'm so thankful to have played with and done life with these amazing girls these past 4 years. Basketball is just a game but it has brought me a bunch of lifelong sisters."
Cheyenne Fullwood | Senior Guard


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