Greeneville, Tenn.—Limestone's women's basketball team started the 2025 season with a thrilling win over Tusculum, led by Graycie Poe's (Bicknell, IN) outstanding performance. Poe dominated the game, scoring 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in this South Atlantic Conference matchup on the road. The Saints secured a 77-72 victory, improving their record to 6-7 (2-7 SAC), while the Pioneers fell to 5-8 (3-6 SAC).
Key Players:

• Graycie Poe had an outstanding performance with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.
• Kalisha Hill () contributed significantly with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
• Reagan Kargo () added 10 points and 5 rebounds.
• Dior Shelton () also scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

 
STORY OF THE GAME:
First Quarter:

• Limestone surged ahead with an early 5-point lead, thanks to a three-pointer and a mid-range jumper from Poe and Kargo.
• Tusculum fought back, taking a 7-5 lead as Monique Shim nailed a three-pointer.
• The Saints regained a one-point advantage when Hill found an opening in the paint, making it 12-11.
• Limestone extended their lead to five points towards the end of the quarter, with Kargo hitting another jumper to put the Saints up 16-11.
• The Pioneers closed the gap by hitting two free throws, ending the first quarter at 16-13.

Second Quarter:

• Tusculum quickly tied the game early in the second quarter and went on a seven-point run, taking an 18-25 lead.
• Hill ended the Pioneers' scoring streak with an aggressive layup, narrowing the gap to 20-25.
• The Pioneers extended their lead to 11 points with less than four minutes remaining.
• Megan Watson (Tampa, Fla.), assisted by Poe, hit a corner three-pointer, bringing the score to 30-38.
• Tusculum managed to beat the buzzer with a layup in the paint, increasing their lead to 30-40.

Third Quarter:

• Limestone started the third quarter strong, connecting on back-to-back baskets to narrow the gap to 35-40.
• Poe confidently sank a three-pointer, bringing her team within two points.
• Amara Newsom (Kennesaw, Ga.) tied the game with two successful free throws.
• Aniyah Jones (Grovetown, Ga.) put the Saints ahead with a fast break layup, making it 48-46.
• The Pioneers fought back, ending the quarter with a three-point lead at 51-54.

Fourth Quarter:

• The Saints started strong, tying the game at 54-54 with a layup and a free throw from Hill, who was fouled on her made basket.
• The Pioneers tied it up at 61 with a free throw.
• Tusculum went on a four-point run with less than five minutes remaining.
• Dior Shelton (Bluffton, S.C.) hit a three-pointer, preventing the Pioneers from extending their lead, making it 66-67.
• Limestone responded with another three-pointer from Poe.
• Tusculum continued to fight, cutting into the Saints' lead.
• Limestone sealed the game by going six for six from the free throw line, securing a road victory with a final score of 77-72.

 
Up Next: Limestone will come home to take on UVA-Wise on Wednesday, January 8^th starting at 5:30 p.m..