Press Release by LSUE Bengals Athletics
EUNICE, La. – LSU Eunice Women’s Basketball claimed its place back atop the state of Louisiana with a convincing 100-61 victory over Delgado CC during Sophomore Night on Saturday at the HPRE Center. The Bengals (19-9, 8-0) clinched an outright LCCAC Championship while running their current win streak to 13 games.
The victory completes a remarkable turnaround for the Bengals’ program under the direction of first year head coach Rob Beckman. After totaling just 13 wins the last two years, and eight in conference, LSUE has more than doubled that win total and has matched its LCCAC wins in that span with one game still to go.
“This game, and this season, is a testament to our young women believing in themselves and this program,” LSU Eunice Women’s Basketball head coach Rob Beckmann said. “They have responded to adversity every time it has presented itself this season and they deserve to be called champions.”
“I’m unbelievably proud of the way our sophomores have led this group and set the foundation for producing a consistent winner here at LSUE,” Beckmann added.
One of those sophomores, Simone Clay, had a night to remember. The Minnesota native put on a shooting clinic with her family traveled nearly 1,200 miles to watch her finale home game as a Bengal. Clay connected on nine three-point baskets, six coming in the third quarter alone, to record a season-high 32 points.
The sharpshooter matched the single-game program record for three-point baskets made, a mark she already tied earlier this season. The mark was previously held by Amanda Romero, set during the 2004-2005 season. She’s made at least one three-point basket in 13 consecutive games, ranking fifth all-time in a single season at LSUE.
LSUE had to overcome a slow start, trailing 13-7 early in the first quarter. The Bengals rattled off a 15-0 run to take over the game for good. Kamiera McDonald and Mariah Heard led the charge in that first quarter, combining for 15 of the team’s 26 points in the frame.
McDonald finished with 19 points, while Heard chipped in nine. Ray’Onna Sterling added 15 points and Izabella Henry poured in 14 points round out the high scorers for LSUE. The Bengals would connect on 15 three-point baskets, a team high for the season.
Leading 41-28 at half, Clay took over the third quarter, tallying 22 points in the quarter alone, outscoring Delgado in the frame by herself.
Prior to the game, LSU Eunice honored its three sophomore student-athletes – Esmeralda Carbajal, Carson Dean, and Clay as well as student manager Sharlette Gordon.
The Bengals close out the regular season on Wednesday with a road date at Baton Rouge CC. LSUE will find out itself postseason fate for the Region 23 Tournament following the completion of the regular season.