Quick Read
- Lilly Ferguson scored seven points and led UMass off the bench in a gritty win over Old Dominion.
- Ayanna Franks contributed nine points, four assists, and two steals, energizing both offense and defense.
- UMass overcame 22 turnovers with defensive grit, outrebounding Old Dominion 47-40.
- Newcomers Leah Bullard and Aiyanna Perkins made key impacts in their first game.
- UMass faces Siena at home next, aiming to build on the hard-fought opening victory.
UMass Minutewomen Open Season with Hard-Earned Victory
The Massachusetts women’s basketball team wasted no time shaking off their preseason nerves, clinching a tough victory over Old Dominion in the season opener. In a game marked by turnovers and moments of chaos, it was the steadying presence of senior captain Lilly Ferguson and the fearless spark from newcomer Ayanna Franks that proved decisive.
Lilly Ferguson: The Heartbeat off the Bench
When the game’s rhythm threatened to slip away, it was Ferguson who restored order. First off the bench, she immediately banked a three-pointer and delivered a crucial defensive stop, underlining her reputation as a calming influence. Head coach Mike Leflar didn’t mince words about Ferguson’s impact: “In our scrimmage and exhibition game, [Ferguson] was awesome off the bench. She’s going to continue to get opportunities.”
Ferguson’s stat line—seven points, four rebounds, and a steal in just 19 minutes—was a testament to her efficient, unselfish play. Whether the Minutewomen needed composure or a jolt of energy, Ferguson’s presence was felt. Her ability to stabilize the team during moments of foul trouble was especially crucial, with Leflar emphasizing how both Ferguson and Franks helped prevent the game from slipping away.
Ayanna Franks: Fearless Newcomer Sets the Tone
Joining UMass from the University of Rhode Island, Ayanna Franks wasted little time making her mark. Tasked with filling the void left by top athlete Stefanie Kulesza’s absence, Franks injected offense and defensive pressure, registering nine points, four assists, two steals, and a block. Her aggressive edge aligned perfectly with the team’s up-tempo identity. As Leflar explained, “In the second half, she took on jamming the basketball, kind of slowing [Old Dominion] up in transition and letting us establish our half-court defense.”
Franks wasn’t just an offensive catalyst; her defensive rotations and relentless hustle made the difference when UMass needed stops late in the game. The sophomore’s confidence was palpable, especially as the clock wound down and the pressure mounted. She wasn’t afraid to take command—a trait that bodes well for the Minutewomen as the season unfolds.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Beyond Ferguson and Franks, UMass found contributions from several new faces. Leah Bullard made her presence felt in the front court, grabbing crucial rebounds and allowing Leflar to rest key players. Freshman Aiyanna Perkins handled the back court with poise beyond her years. Leflar praised their readiness: “I thought [Bullard and Perkins] did awesome … [Bullard] came in, played through a mistake or two early, but comes up with some big rebounds and gave us the ability to rest a couple of [players]. I was really impressed with [her] tonight.” Perkins, too, handled pressure with the composure of a seasoned player.
For a roster still finding its collective identity, these performances are encouraging signs. As Leflar noted, two of the squad’s athletic additions are already finding their stride, giving the Minutewomen the depth and versatility they’ll need to compete.
Defensive Grit Outshines Turnover Woes
The opening win wasn’t a picture of perfection. Old Dominion forced 22 turnovers, exposing communication gaps and early-season rust. Yet, UMass’s defensive tenacity never wavered. The Minutewomen outrebounded their opponents 47-40 and held Old Dominion to a paltry 15% from three-point range. It was Ferguson’s dives for loose balls and Franks’ timely rotations that kept the Monarchs at bay.
Collectively, the team’s effort on the glass and defensive end compensated for offensive miscues. The win, as gritty as it was, showcased the messy reality of early-season basketball: a process of adaptation, learning, and resilience.
Setting the Tone for the Season Ahead
This first victory was less about style and more about substance. It revealed a team willing to dig deep, respond to adversity, and rely on each other’s strengths. Ferguson’s steady leadership and Franks’ fearless play set the tone for a season that promises growth and excitement.
As UMass prepares for its next home matchup against Siena, the lessons from this opener are clear. There’s work to be done—refining communication, cutting down turnovers, and sharpening offensive execution. But with Ferguson and Franks leading by example, the Minutewomen have a foundation built on grit, composure, and collective will.
The journey ahead is long, and the challenges will only grow. But for a team learning how to win together, this opening night was a statement: the messy, imperfect reality of competition is where identity is forged and potential revealed.
UMass fans looking for signs of hope need look no further than the poise of Ferguson, the energy of Franks, and the resilience of a roster determined to make its mark.
UMass’s season opener demonstrated the critical role of leadership and composure in women’s basketball. Ferguson’s ability to anchor the team and Franks’ relentless drive provide a blueprint for success in a challenging season. Their performances exemplify how individual contributions can elevate the collective, especially in moments of adversity—a lesson that will resonate throughout the Minutewomen’s campaign.