MONROEVILLE, Ala. - The Coastal Alabama - North Women's Basketball team earned its first victory of the 2025-26 season on Friday night, Nov. 7, defeating Andrew College (Ga.), 66-61, at home in Monroeville, Ala. The Coyotes battled through a close contest, using a strong third quarter and dominant rebounding to pull away late and capture the non-conference win.
The win improves the overall record on the young season to 1-2.
Strong Rebound Performance Lifts Yotes to First Win
After leading by a narrow margin at halftime (30-27), Coastal Alabama - North surged in the third quarter and outscored Andrew College 21-11 to build momentum heading into the final 10 minutes. Andrew College rallied in the fourth quarter, scoring 23 points while holding Coastal - North to just 15, but the third-quarter deficit was too large in the end. The Coyotes relied on tough interior play and a renewed defensive effort, forcing 25 turnovers and limiting Andrew to just 33% shooting from the field.
On the offensive end, Saije Taylor led the way with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, shooting 8-of-18 from the floor and anchoring the team in the paint. Joy Minnifield added 13 points, three steals, and three rebounds, while Ariel Gilchrist provided a steady inside presence with six points and seven boards.
Lailah Hill and Samiya Clayton each contributed seven points, and Tamira Smalls added six points, six rebounds, and two steals. Grace Smith rounded out a balanced scoring attack with six points and three rebounds off the bench. As a team, Coastal Alabama - North finished with a staggering 45 rebounds, 12 assists, and 12 steals, while shooting 25-for-74 from the field. Andrew College mustered only 21 rebounds in the defeat.
FINAL SCORE:
Coastal Alabama – North 66, Andrew College 61
(Quarter Scores: 13-12, 17-15, 21-11, 15-23)
Team Leaders:
Team Totals:
FG: 25-74 (33.8%) | 3PT: 2-7 (28.6%) | FT: 14-24 (58.3%) | REB: 45 | STL: 12 | AST: 12
Building Off First Win
Friday's victory over Andrew College puts the Yotes in the win column with two of the next three games scheduled at home. Coastal - North is scheduled to return to its home floor on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, hosting Pensacola Christian College (Fla.) at 5:30 p.m. on the Monroeville campus.
FOLLOW THE YOTES
For coverage of Coastal Alabama North Athletics, follow the Coyotes on social media at /CoastalAlabamaNorth (Facebook), @CoastalAL_north (Twitter), and @coastalal_north (Instagram), or visit the official home of the Coastal Alabama North Athletic Department at https://coastalcoyotessnorth.com/index.aspx.
