BLUFFTON, SC – The UVA Wise women's basketball team has had one of their most trying weeks in program history, and they let off a little steam Friday night as they opened the 2025-26 season with a big 68-64 win over Georgia Southwestern State in the Regional Challenge at USC Beaufort.
The team dedicated the game to the memory of former Highland Cavalier
Katlin Burger, who passed away last Saturday. This was the first game the team has played without Burger, who graduated in May. It is also Burger's 23rd birthday today.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 68, Georgia Southwestern State 64
Records: UVA Wise (1-0); Georgia Southwestern State (0-1)
Location: Bluffton, SC | The Cove
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UVA Wise came out hot early, building a big lead.
Caroline Mullins scored the first points of the season with a layup at 9:26. Mullins continued to dominate offensively, contributing multiple baskets, including a three-pointer at 2:52 assisted by
Grace Vyborny. Georgia Southwestern State struggled to find the basket, with Janiya Johnson scoring their first field goal at 8:10. Despite several attempts from beyond the arc, the Hurricanes only managed seven points in the quarter. The Cavaliers capitalized on turnovers and strong defense to finish the first quarter ahead, 22-7, with half of the UVA Wise total coming from Mullins.
- UVA Wise maintained their momentum in the second quarter, extending their lead with notable contributions from
Emilea Preece. Preece hit consecutive three-pointers at 8:06 and 7:13, both assisted by
Alissa Cheek, pushing the Cavs ahead 29-10. Despite foul trouble and turnovers, UVA Wise capitalized on free throws, with
Jaci Neubert converting four in the final minutes to keep the advantage. The Hurricanes' Tiara Hozumi added a three-pointer with 50 seconds remaining, but their late push was insufficient, as the Hurricanes trailed 33-23 at the end of the half.
- In the third quarter UVA Wise maintained their lead over the Hurricanes, concluding the quarter with a score of 52-45. The Hurricanes' Destinee Nelson opened the scoring with a layup, assisted by Shane' Jackson at 9:19. The Cavs responded with a balanced attack, highlighted by a three-pointer from Preece at 7:10 and a series of successful free throws by
Madison Looney. The Hurricanes' late push included a layup by Makenzie Kelly, who also converted an additional free throw to narrow the gap. In the final minute, UVA Wise's Cheek sealed the quarter with two free throws, ensuring a seven-point advantage going into the final quarter.
- The Cavaliers opened the final quarter with a 10-point lead and extended it early with a layup and free throw by Mullins at 9:27, assisted by Cheek. Despite the Hurricanes' efforts, including a 3-pointer by Nelson at 6:37, the Cavs maintained an eleven point advantage. Mullins continued her key contributions, grabbing a defensive rebound at 0:40 and securing critical free throws in the final seconds to help seal the victory. The Hurricanes' Madison Brittle attempted to close the gap with late free throws, but the Highland Cavaliers held on to a 68-64 win.
GETTING WISE
- Mullins notched her third career double-double with a career high 22 points to go along with a game-high 12 rebounds. The sophomore went 8-12 from the field and 5-8 from the free throw line.
- Preece chipped in ten points, including three three-pointers.
- Cheek had seven points and six assists.
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Jalie Ruehling led the team with four assists and two steals. The Kay Yow Servant Leader Award winner also had four rebounds.
- Looney scored eight points and had three rebounds.
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Grace Vyborny also scored eight points in her UVA Wise debut.
- For the game, the Cavs shot 45.8 percent from the field, while holding Georgia Southwestern to only 31.7 percent.
- The Hurricanes were led by 17 points from Ray'ven Robinson and 14 points from Makenzie Kelly, Hannah Simmons led the team with nine rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Cavaliers will face host USC Beaufort on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the final game of the Regional Challenge. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams, as USCB is in their third season of competition. They defeated Ferrum in the first game today by a 75-66 margin.
