Women's Basketball 1/26/2024 11:00:00 AM

Women’s Basketball Kicks Off Winter Alumni Weekend Against Presbyterian

RADFORD, Va. – The Radford women's basketball program plays host to Presbyterian Saturday afternoon to kick off the winter alumni weekend festivities.

SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Presbyterian Blue Hose (12-9, 3-3 Big South)
Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Radford, Va. – Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center

FOLLOW THE ACTION
TV: ESPN+
Streaming: CLICK HERE
Live Stats: CLICK HERE
Radio: CLICK HERE or on WRAD 1460 AM / 103.5 FM
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ALUMNI WEEKEND
Alumni Weekend for the Radford men's and women's basketball programs will take place the weekend of Jan. 26-28, with the game day doubleheader as its centerpiece.

Women's basketball takes the floor first with a 2 p.m. tip off against Presbyterian College. Alumni of both programs are invited back to the New River Valley for a celebration of their contributions to the success of the Highlanders over the years.

A basketball alumni social will be held on the back court in the Dedmon Center, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Alumni Relations is also holding a Volunteer Summit earlier in the day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

MORGAN'S MESSAGE
Saturday's contests are also designated to spread awareness of Morgan's Message. A group of Radford University women's lacrosse players have taken the initiative to enhance mental health awareness and make sure that it is a key component to the Highlanders' student-athlete experience. Morgan's Message was founded by the family and friends of Morgan Rodgers, a former women's lacrosse player at Duke University.

Morgan's Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. We aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone.

SERIES HISTORY
Radford and Presbyterian meet for the 36th time in program history Saturday afternoon with the Highlanders owning a 26-9 edge in the series history. Radford won two of three meetings last season including a thriller in the Big South Quarterfinals that ended in a buzzer-beater victory thanks to a last second floater from Ashlyn Traylor-Walker. Ashlyn finished with 19 points in that quarterfinal meeting with Olivia Wagner also adding 10 points.

SCOUTING THE BLUE HOSE
Presbyterian enters Saturday's meeting coming off their conference bye not playing Wednesday night. Looking for a bit more consistency in Big South play, the Blue Hose haven't won three straight and are sitting at an even 3-3 against conference opponents. The Blue Hose have done most of their winning on the road with victories at UNC Asheville and Winthrop and their lone home win over Longwood.

The Blue Hose boast one of the best offensive trios in the league as Mara Neira (13.1 ppg), Bryanna Brady (12.7 ppg) and Tilda Sjokvist (12.4 ppg) have been a menace to opposing programs. Sjokvist is also one of the conference's best assisters this season with 72 while Neira has been a sharpshooter from deep with 47 three pointers.

TWO IN DOUBLE FIGURES
After an incredible 22-point performance Wednesday, Taniya Hanner (10.5 ppg) joins teammate Ashlyn Traylor-Walker (16.3 ppg) in averaging double figures points this season. The duo of Highlanders are looking to become the first to both average double figures scoring since 2019-20 when the duo of Khiana Johnson (12.0 ppg) and Sydney Nunley (10.8 ppg) achieved the feat.

CONFERENCE LEADERS
Through six conference games, standouts have emerged for the Highlanders against Big South foes. Three Highlanders are averaging 9+ points per game including Ashlyn (15.3 ppg), Hanner (13.3 ppg), Wagner (10.8 ppg) and Pa'Shence Traylor-Walker (9.2 ppg). Ashlyn has been a defensive menace leading the team with 14 steals and eight blocks while also leading the team with 19 assists. Opponents are averaging just 59 ppg against the Highlanders stout defense.

FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
To follow the Radford women's basketball team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @Radford_WBB on Twitter, 'radford_wbb' Instagram or Radford Women's Basketball on Facebook.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Ashlyn Traylor-Walker: G; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#5 Olivia Wagner: G; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#1 Pa'Shence Traylor-Walker: G; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#22 Taniya Hanner: F; 6' 1"; Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

#11 Ashlyn Traylor-Walker
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: G

#5 Olivia Wagner
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: G

#1 Pa'Shence Traylor-Walker
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: G

#22 Taniya Hanner
: 6' 1"; Graduate Student
: F