In a valiant effort, the Presbyterian College Blue Hose women’s basketball team (21-15) saw their remarkable journey in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament come to a close as they faced off against the undefeated University of South Carolina Gamecocks (33-0) in the round of 64.

The Blue Hose entered the matchup with determination, but South Carolina set the pace early, scoring the first basket of the night. Despite a swift response from Paige Kindseth with a layup, the Gamecocks surged ahead with a seven-point lead. Núria Cunill’s jumper briefly narrowed the gap, but South Carolina’s dominance in the first quarter left the score at 27-10.

Presbyterian College rallied in the second quarter, with Cunill’s mid-range jumper offering a glimmer of hope. However, South Carolina’s relentless offense maintained control, leading to a halftime score of 48-25 in favor of the Gamecocks.

The Blue Hose fought on in the third quarter, but South Carolina’s defensive prowess limited their opportunities. Despite efforts from Bryanna Brady and Tilda Sjökvist, the Gamecocks extended their lead to 74-37 by the end of the quarter.

In the final quarter, South Carolina’s offensive onslaught continued, ultimately securing a 91-39 victory.

Next Steps

As the final buzzer sounded, the Blue Hose reflected on their historic journey, marked by perseverance and dedication. Despite the defeat, their resilience throughout the tournament has left an indelible mark on the Presbyterian College community.

The Blue Hose returned home to Clinton, S.C., where they were welcomed with pride and admiration for their remarkable achievements on the court. Though their tournament run has ended, the spirit and determination displayed by the team will be celebrated for years to come.