WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The William Carey Women's Basketball Team defeated Warner University Tuesday afternoon to open play in the Keiser University Thanksgiving Classic.
 
After a slow start, we found a rhythm on offense midway through the first quarter," said Head Coach Tracy English. "Warner scraped their way back a couple of times, but we were able to get control and finish."
 
Warner opened the game, taking an early 7-3 lead with seven minutes remaining in the quarter. The Lady Crusaders halted the run and responded with a three pointer from Rose Warren and a layup from Daydria Cuevas to tie the game less than a minute later.
 
From there Carey extended their lead to 13-7 but the Royals answered back cutting the deficit to 13-11 with two minutes left. However, Carey used the final two minutes to their full advantage, closing the quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 22-11 lead into the second quarter.
 
The Royals again got off to a good start in the second, using a three-minute span to battle their way back to within two at 27-25. For the next four minutes, both teams struggled on the offensive end but with WCU leading 28-25, a Warren two-point basket with under three minutes remaining, jump started the Carey offense. Leah Sutton followed with a layup and over the last two minutes the Lady Crusaders closed the quarter on a 9-0 run with Jenna Garriga capping the scoring with a three pointer.
 
Coming out of the break, Warner once again got off to a good start, opening the third on an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 41-33 just two minutes in. However, Shaneal Corpuz broke the scoring drought for WCU, and the Lady Crusader offense was off to the races, pulling away to a 53-33 advantage midway through before taking a 59-46 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
In the final quarter of play, the Royals managed to get within ten points at 67-57 just three minutes in but Madelyn Ladner answered with four straight points for the Lady Crusaders, and they never looked back, cruising to an 87-67 victory.
 
Rose Warren led the way for Carey, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists which were all season highs. "We have talked about and worked on our offense surrounding a zone throughout the season," said Warren. "I was just focused on being more aggressive and looking for my teammates in transition as well as pushing the ball up the floor and I'm proud of the teams hustle!"
 
Kolten Blakeney added 21 points with Madelyn Ladner and Shaneal Corpuz finishing with 14 and 11 points.
 
Carey is back in action tomorrow, as they take on Keiser University to wrap up play in the KU Thanksgiving Classic. Play is set to begin at 1:15 pm.