Coach Octavia Blue claps during a game at VyStar Arena in 2024. Photo courtesy of KSU Athletics.
Women’s basketball earned its first win over Liberty in the 13th meeting between the programs, 64-58 at VyStar Arena Saturday afternoon.
Kennesaw State opened the game with strong defensive energy and early execution on offense. Keyarah Berry scored the Owls’ first basket on a layup, while Trynce Taylor set the tone defensively with an early block and physical play inside.
TaTianna Stovall added a contested layup as KSU kept the game close through defensive pressure heading into the second quarter.
Berry continued to lead the Owls in the second quarter with efficient scoring and active defense, recording a steal that helped maintain momentum.
Shania Nichols tied the game at 23-23 with 3:26 remaining in the second quarter with a three-pointer shortly before Kailyn Fields followed with a game-tying three-pointer of her own.
Nichols later converted a three-point play opportunity, converting a layup and making the free throw to help KSU build momentum late in the half. The Owls took a 29-28 advantage to the halftime break.
The Owls carried momentum into the third quarter. Fields opened the second half with a quick jumper on the Owls’ opening possession, and Berry recorded another early steal.
Nichols followed with a steal of her own early in the third quarter and Berry added another three-point play and later scored on a fast-break layup as KSU stretched its lead to as large as 12 in the third quarter.
The Owls dominated in transition, outscoring Liberty 21–0 in fast-break points. Taylor dominated the boards throughout the third quarter, while Madyson Elliott knocked down a key three-pointer. Fields facilitated the offense with multiple assists as KSU’s defense tightened late in the period, giving the Owls a 49–41 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Liberty made its push in the fourth, using aggressive fouling to narrow the gap, but KSU remained composed. Berry and Taylor anchored the defense, while Latazia Williamson continued to provide support. Nichols scored on a fast break to keep the Owls ahead, though the Lady Flames stayed within reach as the game went back and forth in the final minutes.
Both teams exchanged three-pointers in the final minute before Berry delivered a crucial basket, scoring on a two-point attempt to give KSU a 60–58 lead with 24.1 seconds remaining.
Nichols was fouled and converted both free throws. The Owls avoided late foul trouble and Fields sealed the win at the line, making two free throws to secure the victory.
KSU shot 43% from the field and 33% from three-point range, while Liberty finished 44% overall and 23% from beyond the arc.
Coach Octavia Blue praised her group for their all-around effort.
“It was a total team effort,” Blue said. “When you have a squad that can come in and spot minutes and can contribute, you know you’re gelling and excelling at the right time.”
The win marked a milestone moment for the Owls, breaking through against a longtime conference opponent and defeating Liberty for the first time in 13 tries.
