The Lee University women's basketball team defeated visiting Bryan College, 78-52, in an exhibition game Saturday afternoon. The game was part of Lee's annual homecoming festivities.
Emileigh Swafford led the Lady Flames with 19 points. The freshman hit 4-of-9 three-point attempts. Erin Walsh equaled Swafford's long-distance accuracy to tally 16 points of her own.
Kayla Beavers added 11 points and three assists. Shelby Brown rounded out the Lee players in double-digits. Brown completed a double-double with 12 rebounds.
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"I was pleased with the play of our young team today," said Lee head coach Marty Rowe. "We looked like a very young squad at times, but overall it was a good effort. Our freshmen stepped up and played well. We shot a lot of 3-pointers and we will probably be doing that in most of our games this season. Our young post players like seeing our guards make the threes because it opens up things down inside for them. I thought we also did some good things defensively. I'm excited about coaching and working with this young group.
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All nine freshmen saw action in the game with three (Carrie Cheeks, Brown and Walsh) in the starting lineup. Cheeks tallied seven points and six rebounds. Sarah Martinez came off the bench and nailed two 3-pointers in two minutes of playing time.
Bryan was led by Megan Billingsby's 19 points and seven rebounds. Keila Formont and Victoria Griffin each tossed in 10.
Both teams turned the ball over 21 times. Lee posted 23 points off turnovers, while Bryan took advantage for 21 markers of their own.
The Lady Flames out rebounded the Lady Lions 48-29. Twenty-two of Lee's boards came on the offensive end, leading to 14 second chance points.
Lee begins its regular season on November 17 against Truett-McConnell College. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. in Paul Dana Walker Arena.
