Joplin, Mo. - A night of firsts for the Southern Lions' women's basketball squad yielded a convincing 71-46 win over the Eagles of Avila University.
Southern (1-2) got career highs in points and steals from junior Michelle Hedgecock, 27 and 5 respectively, and freshmen Emilie Schirmer and Kalie Lucas and redshirt freshman Natasha Scruggs scored their first points as a member of the Lions squad.
For the night the Lions shot 40.4 percent (23-of-57) from the field and 75 percent (21-of-28) from the charity stripe while allowing the Eagles to shoot only 35.6 percent (16-of-45) from the field.
Hedgecock recorded a double-double in the first half (19 points and 10 rebounds) as the Lions entered the intermission with a 35-15 lead. Southern then jumped out early in the second half on a 12-4 run widening their lead to 49-21 at the first media time out.
Joining Hedgecock in scoring double figures was senior guard Jasmine Lovejoy who added 17 points.
The Lions will close out their non-conference schedule by hosting the Evangel University Lady Crusaders tomorrow in the finale of the Pizza Hut/Fairfield Inn Thanksgiving Classic in Leggett and Platt Athletic Center. Tipoff will immediately follow the conclusion of the Arkansas-Ft. Smith and Avlia game. The Lady Lions and Eagles will take the floor at 1pm.
