Ecclesia Shows Grit, Growth & Team Heart

Although the Lady Royals came up short on the scoreboard, there were plenty of positives to take away from Friday's effort against Arlington Baptist — especially in how the team responded in the second half and how key players showcased leadership and progress throughout the game.

Encouraging Second-Half Fight

After a tough start, Ecclesia's energy and execution noticeably picked up in the second half. The team scored 23 points in the fourth quarter, significantly better than the first three periods combined, showing that the Lady Royals never stopped fighting. This momentum shift reflects the squad's resilience and determination to compete every minute they were on the floor.

Standout Performances

Kaidence Prendergast led the way with a strong all-around showing, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds — a double-digit performance in two key categories and a sign of her presence inside on both ends of the court.

Liberty Miller and Lillie Taylor each poured in 8 points, making key contributions when the Lady Royals needed energy. Their scoring, combined with active defense and hustle plays, helped keep Ecclesia competitive throughout.

Madison Stovall added 6 points and 4 rebounds, giving the team productive minutes off the bench. Every contribution matters in a developing season, and Stovall stepped up when her number was called.

Progress in Tough Matchups

Arlington Baptist came in shooting efficiently and executed well early, but Ecclesia kept its composure and focused on fundamentals. The Lady Royals improved as the game went on — particularly on defense and rebounding — against a strong opponent. That's a major takeaway for a squad continuing to build chemistry and grow together. 

Looking Ahead

While the final score doesn't reflect how hard the Lady Royals fought, there are clear signs of progress — especially in leadership from veterans, increased offensive confidence later in the game, and rebounding tenacity. As the season unfolds, these are the building blocks that will translate into tighter contests and eventual wins.

Coach's Corner:
Games like this test character — and Ecclesia showed plenty of it. With continued focus on execution and closing out quarters strong, the Lady Royals are positioning themselves to play with confidence in every matchup.