by MONTEVALLO, ALA. – Nova Southeastern Sharks Women’s Basketball team opened the season with an impressive, 68-49 win over Montevallo in the Sharks first game at the Gulf South Conference-Sunshine State Crossover Classic. Mackenzie Steele led the way for the Sharks, pouring in 14 points and four made three-pointers to lead NSU to victory.
First Half – After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Sharks opened up the second quarter with one of their biggest runs of the game. Mackenzie Steele came out on fire, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to give NSU a 14-9 lead. Kyarrah Grant (Navajo/MBCI) wanted to join in, hitting a three of her own, extending the Shark lead even more. After numerous stops by NSU, Hailey Conley was able to keep the run going with a layup, thanks to a beautiful assist by Madison Frederick. But the three-point barrage wasn’t done yet, 40 seconds later, Conley added another three to the count increasing Nova’s lead to 22-9. The Falcons were finally able to convert a basket ending the Shark’s 14-0 run. The Sharks defense continued to put pressure on Montevallo’s offense, ending the first half with a 36-22 lead.
Second Half – The Sharks started the second half where they left off, with two quick layups by A’lexus Bryant. Moments later Emma Krause was able to convert a layup and add on to NSU’s lead. The Falcons scored a couple of quick field goals but the Sharks offense was too much to handle for Montevallo in the third quarter. Kyannah Grant (Navajo/MBCK) played a pivotal role in that, dishing out a couple of beautiful assists, scoring a bucket, and getting to the free throw line, she was also creating havoc defensively which resulted in a couple of steals. NSU fed off of Grant’s energy heading into the fourth quarter, putting the pressure on the Falcons defensively and ultimately sealing the game for NSU.The Sharks closed out the 68-49 victory, moving to 1-0 on the season.
