HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The WCU women's basketball team kicked off their SSAC play with a decisive 69-54 victory over Loyola University on Saturday afternoon at Clinton Gym.
 
"Today's win was a total team effort," said Head Coach Jessica Garriga. "Our defense was exceptional and it's the reason we are having success. We controlled the tempo and executed offensively. It's exciting to see our team putting in the work and growing in confidence. Shoutout to our fans for a great atmosphere."
 
 
Loyola took an early lead with back-to-back baskets from Madelyn Ladner and Addyson Sherer, putting WCU ahead 6-5 midway through the first quarter. The teams traded points until Brooklyn Cuevas sank a three-pointer with just under three minutes left, giving the Lady Crusaders the lead for good. Shaneal Corpuz followed with another basket, extending the advantage to 13-7. Loyola managed a layup just before the quarter ended, making it a four-point game at the close of the first.
 
The second quarter saw both teams engage in a back-and-forth battle with no significant advantages gained. Loyola narrowed the gap to one point thanks to a three-pointer from Caitlin Travis, but Sherer quickly responded with a three of her own, restoring WCU's lead to 18-14 after three minutes. The Wolfpack continued to pressure, repeatedly getting within two points, but the Lady Crusaders consistently answered back, taking a 28-24 lead into halftime.
 
In the third quarter, Loyola's Tiarra McPipe opened with a three-pointer, cutting the margin to just one point. However, the Lady Crusaders responded with baskets from Corpuz and Jenna Garriga, expanding their lead to five. After both teams exchanged baskets, Corpuz and Ladner scored back-to-back layups, complemented by four straight free throws, pushing WCU's lead to 42-30 midway through the period. Although Loyola broke the Lady Crusaders' 8-0 run with a three-pointer, WCU closed out the quarter strong, heading into the final period with a 51-37 advantage.
 
The Lady Crusaders started the fourth quarter with five straight points and maintained control of the game for a comfortable victory. WCU shot 46% from the field compared to Loyola's 41%, while their defense forced 19 turnovers.
 
Shaneal Corpuz led the way with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Madelyn Ladner and Brooklyn Cuevas contributed 14 points each.
 
The Lady Crusaders will return to action on Thursday, December 4, as they travel to Pulaski, Tenn., to face UT-Southern in conference play.