Looking to defend their Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) title, the Howard University women’s basketball team started the season with a 62-57 win against the Lasalle Explorers.
As they hope to go on another championship run, the Lady Bison opened up the season on their home court, Burr Gymnasium. Leading by as much as fifteen points in the second quarter, the Bison competed at a level similar to last season. However, the game did not come without its struggles as the Lady Bison shot only 23.8 percent from the three point line and 31 percent from the field.
Senior guard Iyanna Warren led the charge offensively, scoring a game-high 18 points as well as finishing with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. As a key member of last season’s title run, Warren came into this season looking to step up as the team’s leader on and off the court. Warren told The Hilltop, “My leadership stems from me being the floor general, not only on the court as a point guard but also off the court as a teammate, friend, and sister. Whether it comes down to getting the ball to the right person at the right time, or just checking on the right person at the right time I’m there.”
As she ascends into her new role as the captain of the team, Warren expressed what she hopes the Lady Bison can build upon from this win. “We are looking to build on our chemistry and momentum that we had from last year to not only win another title, but to also make it further into the tournament by focusing on competing and emptying the tank for one another every day.”
New members of the team are also focused on adding to their title defense and helping the team reach the mountain top once again. Freshman forward Nile Miller contributed in the best way she could coming off the bench, as she led the team with 6 rebounds, three of which came on the offensive side of the ball. Miller told The Hilltop how she plans on adding value to the team saying, “ I want to help my team do good in any way possible; whether I’m in the game or out the game. Me contributing on the bench is cheering and bringing good energy while being on the court consists of me being a role player & diving for the ball, getting steals, rebounds & never taking a play off by giving effort no matter how many minutes I’m put out there for.”
Copy edited by Chanice McClover-Lee
