The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team fell to Miami Ohio 63-53 in their season opener Monday night.
“It was hard to win three out of the four quarters and still have this be the outcome of the game,” said head coach Kevin Pederson.
Forward Tessa Grady lost the opening tip, giving the RedHawks the ball to start.
Despite losing the jump, Coastal started off strong, scoring the first basket of the game and leading Miami Ohio into a force shot by zone defense.
Shortly into the first quarter, forward Tracey Hueston picked up two fouls and had to be pulled from the game, which left the Chants at a disadvantage.
After battling the Chants, Miami Ohio took the lead with a three-pointer from senior Amber Scalia making it 9-7.
Attempting to gain the lead, the Chants used free throws and play challenges to up their competitive spirit. However, Miami Ohio proved a worthy component.
Before the first quarter ended, Grady and guard Paige Bradley picked up their second fouls shrinking the bench for the Chants. Despite foul trouble, the Chants stayed ahead, finishing the first quarter 18-14.
Throughout the team, the sentiment remained that the Chants’ high foul play contributed to their loss.
“We got into too much foul trouble at the start of the game, with three starters on the bench and had to give freshmen a lot of minutes,” said Pederson.
Both teams began the second quarter with numerous turnovers.
Coastal hit a quick 3-pointer halfway through to take the lead, but the RedHawks answered immediately.
Miami Ohio hit two consecutive 3-pointers to take the lead and make the score 26-21. The Chants lost their momentum, ending the first half trailing 35-22.
The RedHawks scored quickly to open the second half.
The Chants increased defensive pressure, but the offense didn’t fall into rhythm until the very end, entering the final quarter down 50-39.
Coastal opened the fourth with a 5-0 run to close the gap.
Bradley picked up her fourth foul midway through the quarter, leading to a game ejection.
Battling through low morale and numerous fouls, Miami Ohio held game control and closed the score gap 59-49.
Ending the game 63-53, the Chants hope they can pull out a future win.
“It was hard to lose the season opener, but win or lose, I love this team,” Bradley said.
The Chants will look to rebound against Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, on Nov. 5 at 9 p.m.
