The Virginia Union University Lady Panthers' 2024-25 basketball season came to a close on Thursday, March 20, in a nail-biting 77-76 defeat to Livingstone College in the consolation game of the inaugural Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite the narrow loss, the Lady Panthers' performance throughout the season has been nothing short of impressive.
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Although the game ended in a loss, it highlighted the determination and resilience of the Lady Panthers. Head Coach
Tierra Terry spoke about the team's effort and the challenges they faced during the game. "It was a hard-fought effort today, but unfortunately, we came up short by 1 point. Livingstone always plays hard and competes, so we knew it would not be an easy game," Terry said.
The Lady Panthers' road to the championship was paved with determination, and Coach Terry took the time to reflect on their collective achievements this season. "We would like to thank our seniors and grad students for contributing to an overall great season that we can truly be proud of. A lot of milestones were reached this season through hard work and dedication, so those things will not go unnoticed. We are proud of each one of the young women on this team," Terry continued. "We look forward to the great things they do in the future."
A Season to Remember
Virginia Union's season was marked by standout performances, impressive team dynamics, and significant milestones. With a 21-9 record, the Lady Panthers achieved their best win total since the 2019-20 season, when they finished with 23 victories. The team's resilience and grit throughout the season were on full display as they made history by participating in the inaugural Black College Invitational Championship.
Despite the tough loss in the consolation game, Coach Terry emphasized the team's growth and potential. "A bad second quarter hindered us from capitalizing on a late run in today's game. We would get a much-needed basket but would miss a defensive assignment in the same possession. We have to correct these errors before our game tomorrow between Livingstone or JCSU to officially end our season with a win."
Looking Ahead
As the season wraps up, the Lady Panthers are already looking ahead to the future. The performance of the team, under the guidance of Coach Terry, has laid the foundation for continued success. With a strong core of players and an emphasis on development, Virginia Union is primed for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.
The Lady Panthers' 2024-25 season has been a testament to hard work, dedication, and resilience. Their journey, while concluding with a bittersweet loss, will be remembered as a season of growth and accomplishment. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented young athletes and wish them continued success both on and off the court.
