Tigerville, S.C. Welcomes New Coach and Celebrates Women’s Basketball Season Opener with Thrilling Victory

Tigerville, S.C. Celebrates New Beginnings for Women’s Basketball

On a chilly Friday evening, November 8, 2024, fans packed the stands of Hayes Gymnasium on the North Greenville University campus, eager to witness a thrilling showdown between Barton College and Newberry College. This game marked the debut of head coach Eileen Van Horn for the Barton Bulldogs, and let’s just say she began her journey in style!

The Exciting Game

In a nail-biting finish, the Bulldogs pulled off a spectacular 51-48 victory over the Wolves, thanks to a pivotal three-point play executed by junior Lauren Mingo with just two seconds left on the clock. The gym echoed with cheers as Barton celebrated their first win of the season, giving Coach Van Horn a fantastic start as she aims to match the remarkable record of her predecessor, Wendee Saintsing, who holds an impressive 607 career wins.

The game had its fair share of challenges. Barton’s shooting initially seemed inconsistent, leading to concerns among fans. The Bulldogs managed to shoot only 35% from the floor, and their three-point attempts were particularly lackluster, converting just 2 of 21 shots for a mere 9.5% accuracy rate. Despite these hurdles, the team’s spirit never dwindled. They built a significant lead during the second quarter, reaching a high of 16 points before Newberry made a ferocious comeback.

Turning Points in the Game

Everything changed as Newberry launched a 14-0 scoring spree, closing the gap to just two points by halftime. After a back-and-forth battle in the third quarter, the intensity ramped up in the fourth. Newberry managed to take the lead at one point, but Barton’s resilience shone through.

The pivotal moment came with only 26 seconds left on the clock. Both teams struggled offensively with a flurry of turnovers and went scoreless for several minutes. Then, a flurry of action ensued. Newberry’s Julia Paoletta tied the game with two free throws, bringing the score to 48-all. In the final seconds, Mingo seized the opportunity, stealing the ball and securing a layup while being fouled by Gabreyel Cook. Despite earlier free throw struggles, Mingo nailed the final shot, securing the win for Barton.

Standout Performers

Lauren Mingo stood out as the leading scorer with 17 points, along with eight rebounds. Her tenacity on the court proved invaluable. Graduate student Walker also made meaningful contributions, adding 12 points and four rebounds, alongside a team-high of four assists. Senior Skylar Quillet showed grit on defense, grabbing seven rebounds despite her team losing the rebounding tally 44-34.

Looking Forward

As the dust settles from this exciting match, Barton is already looking ahead to their next challenge against Augusta University on Saturday at 5 p.m. The Bulldogs are hoping to carry the momentum from this win into their upcoming games. Coach Van Horn, now with one win under her belt, aims to build on this positive start, as the season progresses.

With spirits high and a solid game ahead of them, fans can look forward to an exhilarating season. The energy at Hayes Gymnasium during this season opener set a hopeful tone for Barton College’s women’s basketball team. They’ve shown more than skill; they’ve demonstrated heart—and that, my friends, is what the game is all about!