Statesmen Battle Through Three-Game Stretch, Finish Regular Season with Win Over Catawba Valley

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College Women's Basketball team wrapped up a grueling three-games-in-three-days stretch with a hard-fought 1-2 record, highlighted by a home victory to close the stand.

On Wednesday, the Statesmen opened the road swing with a narrow 66-71 setback to Catawba Valley. Richard Bland jumped out to a strong first-quarter lead (25-16) and carried momentum into halftime, but the Red Hawks used a 19-point third quarter and a steady fourth to pull ahead late. Grace Riggs paced the Statesmen with 20 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double, shooting 9-of-17 from the floor. Arianna Zepeda added 12 points and nine assists, while Hazel Veloz chipped in 11 points, knocking down three triples. RBC shot 44.8% from the field and forced 17 turnovers, but Catawba Valley capitalized at the free throw line, going 13-of-14 to secure the win.

On Thursday, less than 24 hours later, the Statesmen were back on the floor against Cleveland Community College. Despite a strong individual performance from Keeva Heggins, RBC fell 66-86. Heggins led all scorers with 22 points, including four three-pointers, while adding six rebounds and three steals. Hazel Veloz contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, and Grace Riggs added 10 points and seven boards. Richard Bland showed resilience in the second half, scoring 41 points over the final two quarters, but Cleveland maintained control throughout. The Statesmen battled on the glass with 38 rebounds but were hampered by 27 turnovers and a tough 36.8% outing from the free throw line.

Closing out the demanding stretch on Friday at home, the Statesmen responded with a 60-53 victory over Catawba Valley. After trailing 11-13 at the end of the first quarter, RBC surged in the second, outscoring the Red Hawks 21-13 to take control. The Statesmen added 17 points in the third to build separation and withstood a late push in the fourth. Grace Riggs once again led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the week. Hazel Veloz added 11 points, while Micala Poe provided a spark off the bench with seven. Arianna Zepeda contributed six assists and three steals in the win. Richard Bland controlled the boards with 33 and forced timely turnovers to seal the victory.

The Richard Bland College Women's Basketball team next prepares for the Region 10 Tournament. The Statesmen finished the regular season as the #9 seed (5-20, 4-16), and must compete in a play-in game on Monday, March 2^nd. RBC will travel to #8 seed, Guilford Technical Community College for a 5:15pm tip-off for an opportunity to advance to the Quarterfinals of the Region 10 Tournament. Full tournament details will be announced soon.

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