Catawba falls in season-opener at Clayton State

MORROW, GA -- Catawba saw host Clayton State rally in the second half to hand the Lady Indians an 80-69 loss in their season-opening women’s basketball game on Friday night at the Athletics and Fitness Center in the Chick-fil-A Southeast Region Challenge. Milica Ivanovic (Belgrade, SERBIA/Sports High/Bethel) posted a double-double to lead Catawba with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Catawba led 34-32 at the half and went up 37-32 after an Ivanovic three-pointer to open the second half. The Lakers took control from there, shooting nearly 55% in the second half, while the Lady Indians made just 10-of-30 attempts in the final 20 minutes.

Kelly Genesis answered the early three-pointer and when Breanna Fort converted a three-point play at the 17:21 mark of the half, the Lakers went on top 40-39. Dana Hicks (York, SC/Gaston Day) hit a free throw to pull the Lady Indians even at 42-all, but Clayton State scored nine straight points, capped by a three-pointer from Renee Jackson to lead for good.

Catawba trailed by as many as 20 points with just over three minutes remaining before getting within 11 at the final buzzer. Kisha Long (Dallas, NC/Gaston Day) added 16 points for the Lady Indians, while Hicks totaled 13 points and six rebounds. Catawba shot 35% for the game and suffered 25 turnovers.

Clayton State scored the first seven points of the game before Anna Dellapenta (Thomasville, NC/E. Davidson HS/Elon) connected on a three-pointer. Ivanovic followed with two more from long range to give Catawba a 9-7 edge. The third of Ivanovic’s five three-pointers on the night gave Catawba a 16-9 lead, its largest of the game.

Teshymia Tillman led the Lakers with 14 points and grabbed seven boards. Fort scored 13 points with seven rebounds with Tanisha Woodard also posting 13 points.