Thorne Eclipses 1,000 Points as Women’s Basketball Tops Virginia Union 80-65

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Lyrik Thorne became the 19th 1,000-point scorer in Catawba women's basketball history in pacing the Catawba Indians to an 80-65 win over Virginia Union on Tuesday night at Goodman Gym. The senior guard tallied 19 points, while adding nine assists and six rebounds in the victory that pushed Catawba to 5-0 on the year. The Panthers fall to 3-2.

Lauren Ford produced a double-double for Catawba with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Janiya Downs and Sara McIntosh each added 13 points.

Catawba never trailed and moved out to a 19-10 edge after a quarter. During the opening two quarters, the Panthers endured a 10 minutes stretch where they made just one free throw and saw Catawba build a 14-10 lead to 32-11. Catawba would lead 37-22 at the break.

The biggest lead for the Lady Indians was at 65-40 with 2:19 to go in the third quarter. Virginia Union would score the final nine points of the quarter, but Catawba never let the Panthers closer than a dozen.

Catawba won the turnover battle by 10, helping cause 22 miscues with a dozen steals. Catawba also enjoyed a 47-43 edge on the boards and out-shot the Panthers 37% to 35%.

Darryn Zeigler scored 17 points, making four three-pointers to lead Virginia Union. Ny Lngley had 14 points and eight rebouns with Taniah Johnson chipping in with 12 points.

Catawba is home again on Saturday, hosting Elizabeth City State at 2 p.m.