Lady Eagles Triumph on Native American Appreciation Night, Defeat Northwest Mississippi 58-55

Northwest Mississippi Community College

9-13, 5-7

Meridian Community College

14-12, 6-5

Final	1	2	3	4	T
Northwest Mississippi Community College 9-13, 5-7	12	13	12	18	55
Meridian Community College 14-12, 6-5	18	13	18	9	58

MCC Eagles volleyball players and their coach react enthusiastically from the sideline bench area, clapping and raising their hands in celebration of a point. An MCC Eagles player in the foreground cheers alongside the coaching staff.

Game Leaders

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Pts: Mariah Reed-Jones - 17

Reb: Alorian Story - 16

Ast: Layla Hampton - 5

Meridian Community College

Pts: Annearrea Ducksworth - 15

Reb: Eboni Alford - 10

Ast: 2 Players (#4, #14) - 3

Team Stats

Game Statistics	Northwest Mississippi Community College	Meridian Community College
Field Goals	(22-64)	(22-70)
Field Goal %	34.4%	31.4%
Rebounds	43	42
Assists	11	13
Turnovers	20	13

Full stats

February 20, 2025

MERIDIAN, Miss. — The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles (14-12, 6-5) soared to victory on a special night dedicated to honoring Native American heritage, edging out the Northwest Mississippi Community College Lady Rangers (9-13, 5-6) in a thrilling 58-55 win.

Native American Appreciation Night began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, performed live by Shay Lewis and Ilani Wallace, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and competition.

The Lady Eagles wasted no time, jumping to an early lead and closing out the first quarter ahead, 18-12. Their momentum continued into halftime, leading 31-25. During the break, fans were treated to a captivating performance by Blue Nation, a powwow group from Choctaw, Mississippi, bringing vibrant cultural expression to the court.

In the third quarter, the Lady Eagles extended their lead, finishing the frame up 49-37. Before the final period, MCC honored Chief Cyrus Ben of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Choctaw Indian Princess and MCC alumna Leilani Allen. Both were recognized for their contributions and presented with gifts by MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner.

The Lady Rangers mounted a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap and pushing the game to the brink. However, the Lady Eagles held firm, sealing the 58-55 win in a nail-biting finish.

Sophomore Annearrea Ducksworth led the Lady Eagles with 15 points, while freshman Terica Smith added 10 to secure the victory.

The Lady Eagles will return to action on the road next Monday, February 24, against Southwest Mississippi Community College. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.