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Box Score

Radford RAD 17-14

East Carolina ECU 22-10

Radford RAD

17-14

Final

Mar. 18, 2015

East Carolina ECU

22-10

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	F
Radford RAD	26	26	52
East Carolina ECU	38	36	74

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 3/18/2015 10:00:00 PM

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL EXITS WNIT WITH HEADS HELD HIGH

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GREENVILLE, N.C. – Although the result of Wednesday's WNIT first round game between East Carolina and Radford went down as a 74-52 win for the Pirates, the Highlanders left Minges Coliseum with their heads held high.

After all, there is so much this group endured just to get to this point—a point only five other teams in program history had reached prior to Wednesday night. The 2014-15 team, led by seniors Ayana Avery, Jordynn Gaymon and Kiera McIvor, took its fans on an incredible journey—a journey that ended with the Highlanders (17-14) making their sixth postseason appearance.

"I cannot be more proud of this team, especially this senior class and what they have done for our program in my two years here," head coach Mike McGuire offered. "This group has gone through so much, and they have been resilient through it all. I want us to leave here with our heads held high. I am proud of the way we represented our program, our university and the Big South Conference tonight against a very talented East Carolina."

To echo Coach McGuire's thoughts, this team has endured many obstacles along the way to Radford's first postseason appearance in seven years. Perhaps the biggest obstacle was the 3-8 start to the season.

However, what happened after that was nothing short of remarkable. The youthful Highlanders prevailed in 14 of their next 16 games en route to tying for second in the Big South regular-season standings. On top of claiming a program-record 14 conference wins, RU registered its most wins in a season since 2007-08.

In the end, Radford was rewarded with its third WNIT berth in program history. It was only fitting the Highlanders were matched up against East Carolina, an opponent nestled in the home state of RU's three seniors.

"What this team was able to accomplish this season is truly amazing," McGuire expressed. "I am honored to coach this group of young ladies; in particular, these seniors, who have invested so much into this program. They have helped put Radford women's basketball back on the map."

All-American Athletic Conference honoree Jada Payne led all scorers with 22 points for the Pirates (22-10), who were making their third straight appearance in the WNIT. Abria Trice and I'Tiana Taylor chalked up 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Despite ECU only outshooting RU, 43.3 percent to 38 percent, the Pirates racked up 50 points off second-chance points and Radford turnovers. In addition, the Pirates nailed 50 percent (5-10) of their 3-point attempts.

ECU began to pull away in the first half on the strength of an 18-4 run to snatch a 31-13 advantage with 6:26 remaining before halftime. However, Radford responded to close the gap to 38-26 at intermission.

The Highlanders got within 10 points early in the second stanza, before East Carolina halted the comeback. With the win, the Pirates advance to the second round of the WNIT for the second time in program history. They will face the winner of NC State/East Tennessee State as early as Saturday.

Every Radford player who saw action scored for the Highlanders. Aisha Foy and Janayla White led RU in the scoring column with nine points apiece. Gaymon collected a game-high 11 rebounds and tied her career high of five blocks.

Despite the graduation of its three seniors, Radford will have eight returners in addition to at least four newcomers in 2015-16.

"My expectation for this program is to be competing in March on a regular basis," McGuire pointed out. "I am excited about the potential of our team next season. We have some promising freshmen coming in who will blend in well with our returners. However, we are going to miss this senior class. They are the ones we will look back on as the group that raised the bar."

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