On a night when basketball consumed North Carolina, with the Tar Heels overwhelming Duke, the real game was on Jack Jensen court. Just as the Blue Devils could not un-nerve the University of North Carolina, the Hornet’s sting was not enough to affect the Quakers on Feb. 11, when the lady-Quakers won 62-47 in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) match-up. “We were coming off a big win from the Eastern Mennonite game which added that much more momentum and push necessary to win this (one),” said senior Tracey Croner.

With this positive attitude and outlook, the Quakers were on their way to victory.

“Our strategy for the Lynchburg game was to play fast-paced,” said head coach Stephanie Flamini. “They are not as deep as us so we wanted to run on them as much as possible. We also wanted to switch up our defenses and keep them off-balance offensively.”

At the first timeout, coming only four minutes into the game, Croner had scored all of the Quakers’ seven points: Lynchburg trailed by two points.

Seven minutes later, the score was tied at 13 and Coach Flamini wanted a change.

“We’ve got to move better offensively,” she said during a timeout.

The Quakers responded with high-percentage shots. Sophomore Destiny Carden sent the Quakers’ into halftime leading by 10 when she went three-for-four from the foul line.

The intensity continued just as strongly in the second half, although Lynchburg began making their comeback: The Quakers still led by six with 10 minutes left.

Croner continued to take advantage of the Hornet defense, adding four points within a minute span.

“I knew this was a very important game to win, in order to keep in sixth place,” said Croner. “I was very focused and just wanted to win so badly; I was willing to do anything it took to win this game.”

Lynchburg climbed back. With less than seven minutes remaining, the Quakers’ lead was cut to two.

“In the last five minutes, the players on the bench were anxious and excited,” said first-year Laura Kopald. “We knew we were going to win!”

With a minute remaining, a Croner lay-up increased the lead to eight, which rattled the Hornets. Junior Ann Seufer solidified the Quaker win with a three-pointer, causing Lynchburg to spend the last 30 seconds fouling in desperation.

“It was a much-needed win over a tough opponent like Lynchburg” said first-year fan Justin Pike.

The lady-Quakers will try to increase their standing and celebrate seniors Brittany Bumgarner, Jessica Casto, Tracey Croner and Shevon Hackett in a game against Virginia Wesleyan at home on Feb. 21.

“We approach the remainder of the season like every game; just try to keep winning,” said Flamini. We have played everyone and we know what to expect. We just have to go out each game and keep improving as a team. Once the tournament gets here it is just survive, and advance; it should be a lot of fun!