THOMASVILLE, Ga. (January 8, 2022) - Strong team-defense fueled the Webber International University women's basketball team on Saturday afternoon as it cruised to victory over the Night Hawks of Thomas University.

The Warriors (12-4 overall, 4-2 SUN) held the Night Hawks (1-12, 1-6) to just 27.8 percent shooting from the field while also forcing them into 17 turnovers in total. Webber outrebounded its opposition heavily 54-35 and scored 40 points in the paint compared to Thomas' 18.

Thomas took a 7-4 lead early on in the first quarter, but it was followed by an 11-0 run from the Warriors over the next four minutes. Webber would never relinquish the lead for the rest of the game and would keep that momentum going through the first half, building up to a 12-point lead at the halftime break. Samantha Pacheco would lead the way in scoring in the first half, scoring 11 points.

The second half would prove to be more of the same as the Warriors continued to build upon their lead, led by Jaida Burgess with 12 second half points. Webber had its highest scoring output in the fourth quarter with 24 while limiting Thomas to just 10 points, sealing the victory.

Pacheco led the Warriors with a career-high 17 points while also tying her career-high in steals with six. Her career night was followed by Burgess who finished with 14 points and a season-high nine rebounds. Senior Dasia Wandick also finished with a season-high nine rebounds on the day. LeAndra Franklin had 13 points, three assists and two steals. Franklin has now reached double-digit points in seven of her last eight games. Triniti Lee contributed off the bench with seven points in 14 minutes while adding four rebounds, two steals and a block.

The Warriors will now travel to South Florida to take on the Florida Memorial University Lions on Thursday, January 13, at 5:30 p.m. The Lions are currently 8-4 overall but have not played a game since December 14. Webber then returns home to face St. Thomas University just two days later on Saturday, January 15, at 2 p.m.