It was a long-awaited win for the Lady Rattlers (13-13, 8-6 MEAC), who finally pulled off a 71-81 victory at home over the Howard University Lady Bison (5-19, 5-9 MEAC). The Lady Rattlers were battling back after a four-game losing streak.It was the last home game for the Rattlers this season, and a conference win that helped spark the ladies’ momentum as well.
The Lady Rattlers sent Howard University home with another conference loss under their belt, putting FAMU back at the .500 mark. Freshman forward Secrett Anderson explained it was a fight for more than just their game; it was for Rattler pride.
“I was just really tired of losing,” she said. “I set myself goals before coming into this game, and one of them was to win.”Anderson, who lead the team with a double-double scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds, acknowledged assistance from her teammates Deidra Jones and Denise Tate, who added an additional 23 points to the board combined.
Head coach Debra Clark said the performance Monday ensured her that the best is yet to come.
“It’s only three more games in the season and we (Lady Rattlers) are going to finish strong,” Clark said.
Sophomore guard Stephanie Foster said the win has pointed the team in the right direction at the end of the season.
“It feels good,” Foster said. “We finally got a win. It’s a crucial time and a well-needed win going into the tournament.”
The Rattlers held a strong run during the second half, keeping the Lady Bison down in a double-digit slump.
The University closed out its four-game losing slide with a well-awaited victory and high hopes to bring home the No. 1 title in the MEAC and an improbable NCAA champion.
“We know we’re going to win the MEAC, and we’re bringing home the NCAA championship,” Anderson said.
The Lady Rattlers, who like the men’s team, are now second in the MEAC, look to take on Delaware State University Saturday.