Injury Battle Continues for Eagles

Faith was on the road last week to meet Providence University College (Canada) in St. Paul, MN for a neutral-sited match. The Eagles' continuous injury problem forced them to take on the Pilots with only 6 players. While they put up a good fight, the Eagles' lack of depth to their bench proved to be a factor, as Providence's full-court pressure wore the Eagles down. Strong second and fourth quarters by the Pilots secured them the 79-52 win over Faith.

With just six players, the Lady Eagles knew they were going to have to step up in this game and be physically and mentally tough. Freshman Alicia Smith and Michaela Crider filled in at the starting positions for the two injured starters. Faith came out ready to go, out-shooting and out-rebounding Providence in the first quarter. After ten minutes, the Eagles led 17-13. Turnovers and offensive rebounds proved to be the difference in the second quarter. Faith committed 8 turnovers in the quarter, while Providence limited themselves to none. The Pilots crashed the offensive glass, as well, picking up 9 offensive rebounds, as opposed to Faith's 1. Providence closed out the first half on an 18-4 run and held a 44-31 lead at the break.

The Eagles kept Providence from gaining too much ground in the third quarter, but in the fourth, the Pilots pulled away, taking advantage of Faith's 2-17 shooting. Lyndi Shepard's bucket at the 6-minute mark would be the last time the Eagles could get a shot to fall. Providence's 79-52 win moves Faith's overall record to 3-4.

Lyndi Shepard led all scorers with 22 points. Michaela Crider stepped up big for the Eagles and posted a double-double, with 17 points and 13 rebounds. With 9 points and 16 rebounds, Freshman Mackenzie Hanson finished just one point shy of a double-double of her own.

Faith will host their final game of the semester at home on Tuesday, December 12, where they will play Nebraska Christian College.