In a thrilling upset at the Bob Sechrest Fieldhouse in Park Hills, Missouri, the #17 NJCAA ranked Mineral Area College Women's Basketball team delivered a stunning victory over their rivals the #9 Three Rivers Community College Lady Raiders. The game, held on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, amidst a standing room only crowd for Homecoming, saw the MAC Cardinals (20-1, 5-0), led by Coach Briley Palmer, triumph over the Lady Raiders in a fiercely contested match.
In a standout performance, freshman guard Maddie Ayers showcased her scoring capability and clutch play off the bench, leading the game with an impressive 29 points. Ayers' big gameness was on full display as she went 7 for 12 from the field and an impressive 4 for 5 from beyond the arc during clutch moments in the game. While also converting crucial free throws to help seal the victory, her impact extended beyond scoring, as she also had a number of assists, demonstrating her ability to contribute in different phases of the game.
Hailing from Annapolis, Missouri, Ayers is no stranger to the big stage. A graduate of South Iron High School, where she earned all-state honors in both basketball and volleyball. Her success at the high school level, including leading both South Iron programs to the Class 1 state final four, and affinity for big games has seemed to translate to the collegiate stage, and no better time than for this upset win for the Mineral Area College Women's Basketball program.
Despite the high stakes and intense competition, the MAC Cardinals showcased exceptional teamwork and determination, securing a hard-fought win with a final score of 74-68. Standout performances from both Ayers and the always reliable Katelyn Chomko (21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists). The victory marked a significant achievement for the Mineral Area College team, as they look to yet again make their way up the NJCAA rankings.
Next up for the MAC Lady Cardinals is Moberly Area Community College on January 31st at Bob Sechrest Fieldhouse in Park Hills, Missouri.