Haynes, Shope Steal the Show and Push Reinhardt to AAC Final

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

Photo Courtesy of Union (Ky.) Sports Information 

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – A quick start in the first quarter paired with 50 combined points from the duo of Abi Haynes (28) and Catherine Shope (22) helped Reinhardt advance to the AAC Championship final over No. 2 Union (Ky.), 70-62, Thursday evening inside the MeadowView Marriott Convention Center & Conference Resort in Kingsport.

The victory for the Eagles (12-5) – the three seed – was the first triumph for the lower seed on either side in the men's or women's tournaments.

"I suppose I should stay with the clichés of postseason play – win and advance – this is the best time of the year," head coach Toby Wagoner said. "We are really proud and excited for the team. They always play so hard and represent Reinhardt in a first-class way. I thought we jumped on them early and really tried hard to stay aggressive offensively.

"I knew before the game the ladies were ready; they just seemed to be on a mission. We need to kick back and get off our feet. It's going to be really important for this last game. It's hard to play three games and be offensively efficient, and defensively, put some pressure on the opponents. Coach Smith has a great program and his team will be ready to go as well."

The energy of the game seemed to be squarely on the side of Reinhardt to start the contest, as the Eagles flew out to a 22-11 score at the end of the first quarter after the Bulldogs struggled defensively and from the field in the opening 10 minutes.

The 11-point advantage grew to 15 at halftime (41-26) after both squads were able to settle into the postseason battle. Reinhardt, however, was still able to have the upper hand on both sides of the court and slowly pulled ahead by as many as 19 tallies before the break.

The hometown squad continued to shine on both ends of the floor in the second half – resulting in a 19-point advantage after three quarters – and as high as 21 tallies in the fourth (69-48) with 4:17 remaining on the clock.

Union would get back within eight points, but would run out of time.

The Bulldogs never led or tied after beating the Eagles twice during the regular season.

Collectively, Reinhardt only shot 33.9 percent (21-of-62), but hit timely attempts behind the arc and connected on 22 free throws.

Shope had another double-double from the guard position with 13 rebounds and a trio of steals. Haynes was not far behind on the glass with nine boards as well to go along with four assists and three thefts.

Brittany Burnett chipped in with eight points as well.

It's all on the line tomorrow against top-seeded Bryan (Tenn.) with the AAC Championship banner up for grabs. 

Tip is set for Noon.

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For more information on Reinhardt Women's Basketball, please click here.