MOREHEAD, Ky.--- In an early-season exhibition basketball match up, the Asbury women's basketball team (0-0) faced off against NCAA Division-I Morehead State (1-0) at Johnson Arena in Morehead, KY on Monday night. Asbury put up a very strong effort against the Eagles, keeping things tight all the way to the final whistle, eventually falling 92-80.

During the first half, Asbury found themselves trailing, with a halftime score indicating a 49-31 disadvantage. The game was characterized by strong offensive plays from Asbury's Camryn Poole, who led her team with an impressive 21 points. She was supported by Haleigh Releford and Ma'Kiya West, who added 14 and 12 points respectively. These top scorers were instrumental in Asbury's push to close the gap, showcasing AU's hopeful offense for the season.

The team's efforts were strong on the defensive end, showcasing notable performances from, Celia Pelfrey and Morgan Flanagan. Both of whom secured several steals and rebounds. The team's resilience and chemistry were evident as they battled challenging odds against a high-leveled opponent.

As they prepare for their upcoming opening-day contest, they aim to build on their experiences from this hard-fought exhibition and seek to improve. The women will compete this season in the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS), for the first time. This is the first season they will compete in a conference since their 2020-2021 year in the NAIA's River States Conference.


Asbury University now prepares for their first regular season match up against Hanover College in Hanover, In., on Nov.14 at 6 PM.


"I was very pleased with our effort. We played extremely hard and did a lot of things well. We still have things to improve on, but that's to be expected at the beginning of the year. It was very exciting to see so many players have solid performances and can't wait to see everyone steadily improve."
Chad Mayes | Head Women's Basketball Coach


        Asbury:                                

• 26-71 FG (36.6%)
• 12-35 3 PT (34.3%)
• 16-20 FT (80%)
• 12 STL
• Morehead 26 Turnovers
• 22 Bench Points
• 28 Points in the Paint
• 11 Second Chance Points
• 14 Points off Turnover

* Camryn Poole | 21 PTS (7-12 FG, 5-6 3PT), 4 REB, 1 AST
* Camryn Preston | 11 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK
* Haleigh Releford | 14 PTS, 3 REB, 5 STL
* Ma'Kiya West | 12 PTS (5-8 FG, 2-4 3PT), 5 REB
* Emily Sizemore | 9 PTS (5-5 FT), 6 AST, 3 REB
* Celia Pelfrey | 2 REB, 2 STL, 2 AST
* Morgan Flanagan | 2 STL