FULTON, Mo. - The Spalding University women's basketball team earned an impressive 40-33 road victory over Westminster College (MO) on Saturday afternoon. In a defensive-minded contest at Westminster Gym in Fulton, MO, the Golden Eagles (40, 12-11, 8-6 SLIAC) held the Blue Jays (33, 7-12, 7-4 SLIAC) to just 33 points while posting a balanced attack on offense that led to a hard-fought win.

TURNING POINT
Spalding's defensive intensity was evident from the opening tip, forcing tough shots and limiting Westminster's scoring opportunities throughout. The Golden Eagles led 10-13 after the first quarter but steadily pulled ahead by grinding out possessions and capitalizing on key stops. By halftime the defensive battle remained tight, and Spalding carried a slim lead into the second half.

Offensively, Spalding relied on a duo of standout performances. Zaneiya Batiste put up a team-high 15 points while playing virtually the entire game and contributing on the glass and in transition. Anastasia Dowlen matched that scoring output with 15 points of her own, finishing strong under the basket and anchoring the Golden Eagles' scoring punch. Together, Batiste and Dowlen accounted for 30 of Spalding's 40 points in the win.

The Golden Eagles shot efficiently at the free-throw line down the stretch, helping preserve their lead in a tight fourth quarter. Spalding's defense forced key turnovers and rebounded well in clutch moments, shutting down Westminster's attempts to mount a comeback. Overall, the team finished with 40 points to Westminster's 33 in a gritty, low-scoring affair.

With this road victory, the Golden Eagles improve their conference standing and continue to build momentum as they head deeper into SLIAC play.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Zaneiya Batiste led all scorers with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 7 steals in 39 minutes — a complete effort on both ends of the floor.
• Anastasia Dowlen also scored 15 points while dominating the glass with 13 rebounds, showing physical presence inside throughout the game.
• Nicole Hollowell pitched in 5 points and pulled down 6 rebounds, hitting 1 three-pointer to help spread the floor.
• Brooke McNeal added 2 points with 2 rebounds in her 26 minutes of action.
• Kennedy Brown chipped in 3 points on 1-of-3 from three-point range, providing bench scoring.
• Ma'Kaylia Lute and Deonte'nae Neal saw minutes contributing defensively and on the boards.
• Spalding finished with 40 points, shooting 26.3% from the field and 50% from the free-throw line but made key baskets and free throws when needed.
• The Golden Eagles forced turnovers and scored 14 points off turnovers, helping tilt the momentum in a defensive battle.