Cullowhee, N.C. – The Western Carolina women’s basketball team began the 2025-26 season on a high note, securing a decisive 99-58 victory over the Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL).
Leading the charge was redshirt sophomore Ally Hollifield, who marked her WCU debut with a personal-best 26 points. She was ably supported by fellow transfer players: Betsey Burnett contributed 17 points off the bench, while Ary Dizon added 15 points along with six blocks and eight rebounds. Joyce Mulumba topped the rebounding chart with 11 boards.
A total of 10 out of 13 Catamounts participated in the game, with eight of them contributing to the scoring effort.
On the other side, VUL’s Lovely Tua-Link led her team with 22 points, shooting 8-of-15 overall and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Princess Akojenu controlled six rebounds, while both DaNiya Warren McClure and Jamilah Hayes faced early fouls, limiting their time on the court.
Game Recap:
The opening quarter saw both teams trading points, with Ary Dizon opening the score for the Catamounts. WCU initially held an 8-6 lead before Hollifield drained the first three-pointer of the season, initiating a 12-0 run. During this stretch, Hollifield accounted for eight points, pushing the score to 20-6.
Despite a slight response from VUL, who managed to outscore WCU by a narrow margin later in the quarter, the Catamounts established a comfortable cushion, entering the second quarter up 29-14.
The second period started explosively for WCU, with Taj Hunter hitting a three-pointer just nine seconds in. The Catamounts expanded their lead to 31 points by halftime, leading 53-25 after a crucial tip-in by Dizon.
The second half saw the Catamounts’ lead remain above 26 points, with WCU matching VUL’s scoring in the third and fourth quarters. The final score of 99-58 reflected WCU’s dominant performance.
Statistical Highlights:
- Ally Hollifield: 26 points
- Betsey Burnett: 17 points
- Ary Dizon: 15 points (6 blocks, 8 rebounds)
- Taj Hunter: 11 points
- Joyce Mulumba: 11 rebounds
Among WCU’s 11 newcomers, nine played in this game, with four starting. This included Hollifield, Dizon, Mulumba, and freshman Ellie Richardson, while Burnett provided a valuable scoring boost off the bench.
Looking Ahead:
WCU will host Tusculum at the Ramsey Center for their next game on November 9, starting at 2:00 PM. Following this matchup, the team will head to Buies Creek, N.C., to face the Campbell Fightin’ Camels on November 12 at 7:00 PM. The Catamounts will then return home to challenge the Oklahoma Sooners on November 15 at 3:30 PM.
