Westminster Rallies Past Eureka for Thrilling Victory

Photographer: EP Photos & Media
Photographer: EP Photos & Media

1/26/25 Fulton, MO - The Westminster women's basketball team overcame a sluggish start to defeat Eureka 74-69 on the road Saturday afternoon, extending their win streak to seven games. Eureka stormed out of the gate, taking a commanding 29-15 lead after the first quarter behind hot shooting and high energy. However, the Blue Jays found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Red Devils 22-13 to narrow the gap to just five points at halftime. The third quarter belonged to Westminster, as they put up 23 points while holding Eureka to 15, seizing the lead heading into the final frame. The Blue Jays' defense limited Eureka to just 12 points in the fourth quarter to secure the hard-fought win.

Annette Ramirez delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 27 points on 8-of-21 shooting. She was clutch at the free-throw line, hitting 8-of-9 attempts, and added seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Avylina Powell-Qualo was dominant in the paint, contributing 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting while adding three rebounds and three steals. Caragan Lockard provided a strong presence, finishing with 10 points and six rebounds. Olivia Hixson contributed across the board with eight points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals. 

Westminster's defense turned the tide of the game, forcing 19 Eureka turnovers and converting them into critical points. The Blue Jays also showcased their resilience on the boards, pulling down 14 offensive rebounds to create second-chance opportunities. This victory not only adds to Westminster's win column but also highlights the team's ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure, a promising sign as the season progresses. The Blue Jays will look to extend their streak in their next game on Thursday, Jan. 30, at MUW, with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.