Late Push Comes up Short for Women’s Basketball Against Flying Eagles

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — Richard Bland College women's basketball showed resilience and fight on Saturday afternoon, but a late surge by Southwest Virginia resulted in a 66-77 setback on in Cedar Bluff, Virginia.

The Statesmen kept the game within reach throughout, trailing by just five at halftime after grinding through a low-scoring second quarter. RBC responded with its strongest offensive stretch in the third, matching Southwest Virginia point-for-point with 25 points as the game tightened heading into the final frame.

Grace Riggs led all scorers, pouring in 23 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting while adding eight rebounds. Hazel Veloz provided a spark from the perimeter, knocking down five three-pointers on her way to 15 points, while Leila Estrada chipped in 10 points off the bench.

RBC's ball movement and defensive activity were highlights, as Arianna Zepeda recorded 10 assists, directing the offense and creating opportunities throughout the game. Defensively, the Statesmen were active, totaling 15 steals, led by Micala Poe and Nyah Barnwell with four apiece.

Despite outscoring Southwest Virginia by 12 in the paint and winning the rebounding battle early, foul trouble and turnovers in the fourth quarter allowed the home team to pull away down the stretch.

Richard Bland (3-7 overall, 2-4 conference) will look to bounce back on Tuesday, December 16^th when they host the Bobcats of Bryant & Stratton College (VA). Tip-off is set for 5pm.

Stay up to date with all women's basketball news here: https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/wbkb/index or follow @rbcwbb on social media.