Welcome back to Trask: UNCW defeats Clinton College 79-42

Addison Lowry, Staff Writer

November 22, 2024

**UNCW players cheer on their teammates** – UNCW’s Alexandra Zelaya waves a towel as she cheers on her teammates from the sidelines. (Addison Lowry/The Seahawk)

The UNCW Seahawks secured their first win of the 24-25 season against Clinton College, winning 79-42. After losing two games earlier in the week, there was no better time for the women to get their first win than at home in Trask Coliseum during their opener on Nov. 10.

The Seahawks started their season traveling to Virginia Tech and UNC Chapel Hill. While the Seahawks began their season on the road, they were welcomed back home to Trask Coliseum by fans ready to see a win. UNCW also honored National Native American Heritage Month during halftime, having 20+ dancers performing. Not only was this the first game for the team at home this season, but it was also new assistant coach, Brittany Drew’s, first game as a Seahawk at home.

**Native American dancers perform during halftime –** UNCW welcomes Native American dancers to perform in honor of National Native American Heritage Month. (Addison Lowry/The Seahawk)

Despite a slower start and trailing after the first quarter, the Seahawks scored 29 points giving them a 41-21 point lead going into the half. The women continued scoring, ending the third ahead by 62-35. Not only were the Seahawks effective scorers, but they dominated ball control. The Seahawks had 14 turnovers compared to Clinton’s 37.

The Seahawks ended the game with 21 steals. One such steal by Guard Taylor Henderson (2) with four minutes left in the game resulted in a layup, sending the ground into cheers. Moments later Henderson had another steal, bringing her total to four. The final 3-pointer shot was made by UNCW’s Mary Ferrito (1). Leading in points was Henderson for the Seahawks, totaling 17, while Diamond Moore-Heath (33) scored 15 for Clinton.

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After the buzzer sounded, the Seahawks gathered in a circle while Head Coach Nicole Woods crowned the MVP of the game. Tonight, it went to Alexandra Zelaya(0) who was essential to rebounding, having 19 rebounds and 10 points vs Clinton. Zelaya placed the sparkly plastic crown on her head, and she celebrated with her teammates: “I couldn’t have done it without them, it was such a team effort. I’m so glad to share what I love with the people I love.”

The MVP is crowned – Alexandra Zelaya poses with her MVP crown after UNCW defeated Clinton College 79-42 in Trask Coliseum. (Addison Lowry/The Seahawk)

Trask Coliseum isn’t home without Teal Nation showing up to support, for any fans looking to catch the next UNCW Women’s basketball home game it is on Saturday Nov. 23 against Norfolk State.

Statistics According to ESPN Stats.