CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. --- Shanara Hollinquest had a team-high 21 points to lead the Lady Mcos to a 76-66 win over Austin Peay Sunday afternoon at the Dave Aaron Arena.
The Lady Mocs even their record at 1-1 overall while the Lady Govs (0-1) drop their season opener.
Hollinquest (Sylacauga, Ala.) poured in 17 second half points to keep the Lady Mocs on top throughout the second period as Austin Peay only managed a one-point lead once in the frame.
The Lady Mocs jumped out to a 10-0 lead to start the game, but that lead quickly dwindled as Austin Peay reeled off nine straight points. Sophomore Kori Penland (Chickamauga, Ga.) hit a jumper with 10:27 to play in the first half to put Chattanooga on top 20-13 before the Lady Govs would storm back to take the lead.
Nicole Jamen hit a pair of free throws to give Austin Peay a 24-22 lead with 7:49 to play and the Lady Govs would extend that lead to 28-24.
That lead would be short-lived as freshman Kayla Christopher (Oliver Springs, Tenn.) went on an 8-0 run to put the Lady Mocs on top 32-24 with just 2:09 to play before the half. UTC led at the half 36-31.
In the second half, Austin Peay's Whitney Hanley exploded for 17 points with eight to start the period giving the Lady Govs their first lead in more than nine minutes of play at 45-44 with 14:30 to play in the game.
Hollinquest hit back-to-back layups to give Chattanooga the lead for good just 30 seconds later. She would get 13 more points in the half to lead Chattanooga to its first win of the season.
Christopher had a season-high 13 points in the game with five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and just one turnover. Senior Jenaya Wade-Fray (Madison, Ala.) had 14 points and was 2-for-2 from the 3-point line and six rebounds.
The Lady Mocs shot 61.9 percent in the first half from the floor and was 4-for-5 from the 3-point line and shot 53.8 percent in the second half making 4-of-7 from the arc. However, the free throw line saw the Lady Mocs struggle making just 14-of-25 (58.0%) attempts.
Hanley led all scorers with 22 points and had five rebounds. Nicole Jamen had a double-double for the Lady Govs with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
It's a Gold Rush Thursday, Nov. 19 when the Lady Mocs return home to take on the 21st-ranked Georgia Lady Bulldogs at the McKenzie Arena. Log onto the official website of UTC athletics at www.GoMocs.com to purchase tickets or call the McKenzie Arena box office at 423-266-MOCS (6627) to get your tickets today.
