Junior forward: Dy'Manee Royal led the Lady Rattlers with a double-double 16 points/13 rebounds against the Howard Bison on Mar.11
Photo Courtesy of FAMU Athletics
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) women’s basketball team’s tumultuous season has officially come to an end, as the Lady Rattlers lost in the opening round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament to the Howard Bison, 59-53.
The Lady Rattlers finished the regular season with a record of 4-24 overall and a 2-14 conference record, putting them in last place in the MEAC. However, in this game they would show that they were better than their record and rank in the MEAC suggests.
“We came out and fought hard for forty minutes and I couldn’t be more proud of this team” said Interim head coach Kevin Lynum, “We have to give credit to Howard University for coming in and earning the win, this loss is nothing for us to hang our heads over, we really came out and fought and th gave everything they had.”
Going up against the MEAC’s top scoring offense, the Lady Rattlers held the Bison’s offense in check holding them below their season average of 72.9 points per game.
Despite a first half where the Lady Rattlers struggled offensively, shooting 7-37 (18 precent) from the field, the Rattlers went into halftime only trailing by three points by the score of 24-21.
The Rattlers were led in scoring (16), rebounds (13), and blocks (5) by Junior forward Dy’Manee Royal. She spoke on her mindset heading into the game.
“My attitude was to stay focused the whole way, run the floor, rebound effectively, and just put the ball in the hole.”
Coach Lynum also praised the junior forward who has been playing well since he has taken over as head coach in February.
“Since I’ve taken over she (Dy’Manee) has only had one game with less than 10 points. Every single game she has come out and been a walking double-double.” said Lynum.
Freshman guard Mya Moye, who earlier this week was named to the All-Rookie MEAC team, also contributed eight points and four rebounds.
Moye playing in her first MEAC tournament game spoke about what she feels it takes to win a MEAC Tournament game.
“It takes hard work and effort, I feel like we gave it our all we just came out short, but we are going to be ready next year.”
Since a mid-season coaching change, the Lady Rattlers have been an improved team on the floor.
Coach Lynum spoke on what he has learned from the team since he has taken over as Head coach.
“One thing I learned about this team is when we faced adversity we fought through it, and that is something we teach everyday. When they can sit and stare adversity in the face and then overcome it, it’s an amazing thing.” Lynum added “it speaks to the character and maturity of these young ladies. Seeing the team grow as people and not as just basketball players is phenomenal. I’m just happy to be apart of it and I believe that future is bright for this entire team.”