WVU Tech vs. Tennessee: Women's Basketball Play-by-Play Highlights

In a closely contested early-season matchup on October 31, 2026, the WVU Tech women’s basketball team faced off against Tennessee Wesleyan, navigating a physical first quarter characterized by intense paint battles and early foul trouble, as detailed in the live play-by-play logs provided by goldenbearathletics.com.

Early Struggles and Paint Battles

The opening minutes of the contest saw both squads trading missed opportunities and fighting for control under the glass. Tennessee Wesleyan opened the scoring rhythm when Sloan Carpenter drove into the paint for a layup at the 8:51 mark, putting her side up 2-0. WVU Tech answered soon after as Cadence Stewart converted a layup in the paint with an assist from Emily Wratchford, tying the game at 2-2.

Foul trouble immediately tested both benches. Mackenzie Babb picked up early whistles for WVU Tech, sending opponents to the line while fighting for rebounds alongside teammates Jalaya Lindsey and Alivia Monroe. Despite missing initial free throw attempts, the visitors capitalized on second-chance opportunities to keep the pressure high.

Momentum Shifts and Perimeter Shooting

Kyra Brown sparked a brief offensive surge for WVU Tech by sinking a three-pointer with 7:16 remaining on the clock, pulling her team ahead 5-4. Defensive intensity held firm as Alivia Monroe and Sloan Carpenter exchanged blocks in the paint, stifling drives and forcing tough perimeter shots.

Stewart continued her strong opening quarter by sinking a jumper and later draining a three-pointer off an assist from Wratchford, pushing WVU Tech’s lead to 10-4. Tennessee Wesleyan responded as Jalaya Lindsey fought through traffic for a paint layup, narrowing the deficit to four points.

Rotations and Quarter Close

As the clock wound down toward the final minutes of the opening period, both coaching staffs emptied their benches. Substitutions brought fresh legs onto the floor, including Karson Jones, Emily Sharkey, Talya Lawson, and Jordan White. White quickly made her presence felt by driving for a paint layup with 2:13 remaining to bring Tennessee Wesleyan within striking distance at 10-8.

Wratchford answered for WVU Tech with a sharp jumper at the 1:57 mark, extending the lead to 12-8 as the physical first period moved toward its conclusion.