MARTIN, Tenn. – The Christian Brothers University women's basketball team faced an early-season test Thursday night, falling 105-41 to NCAA Division I opponent UT Martin at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
While the final score favored the Skyhawks, the matchup provided an important opportunity for the Lady Bucs to evaluate their roster, gain experience against Division I competition, and identify areas for improvement as they prepare for the season ahead.
Facing a higher-level opponent gave the CBU coaching staff a chance to see how the team would respond to pressure, adjust to a faster pace of play, and compete against a physically challenging opponent.
Aaliyah Dias led the Lady Bucs offensively with 13 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and connecting on three of her six attempts from beyond the arc. Her performance provided a bright spot for CBU as the team worked to establish its offensive rhythm.
Jordan Johnson added six points, four rebounds, and two steals, while Lauryn Hunt contributed five points and a team-high nine rebounds. Hunt's effort on the glass highlighted her ability to battle inside against Division I competition.
Defensively, the Lady Bucs recorded 11 steals, with Najya O'Neal leading the team with three. Makayla Lemelle contributed three assists and a steal, while Anna Rumpe finished with two blocked shots.
UT Martin established control early, outscoring CBU 37-7 in the opening quarter and taking a 57-18 advantage into halftime. Despite the deficit, the Lady Bucs continued competing and produced their strongest offensive quarter in the third, scoring 15 points.
CBU finished with five three-pointers and received 25 points from its bench, providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate different players and lineup combinations.
The Skyhawks were led by Alorian Story, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Although the Lady Bucs struggled offensively, shooting 21 percent from the field and committing 28 turnovers, the experience offered valuable lessons about ball security, defensive execution, and competing against a faster opponent.
For CBU, the contest was about more than the scoreboard. It was an opportunity to see what this year's team has to offer, evaluate individual performances, and determine where improvements are needed before entering the heart of the schedule.
The Lady Bucs will look to use the experience gained against UT Martin as motivation moving forward, continuing to build chemistry, confidence, and consistency as the season progresses.
