POSITIVE: MTSU Lady Raider Named Conference-USA Spirit of Service Recipient Apr 05, 2021 at 01:02 pm by WGNS
MTSU Photo of Courtney Whitson
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee sophomore Courtney Whitson has been honored as a Conference USA Spirit of Service recipient after helping lead the Lady Raiders to the 2021 league championship.
The award honors one student-athlete from each of the league s 14 members with significant community service endeavors, good academic standing, and participation in their sport.
Whitson averaged 10.8 points and 7.8 rebounds during the 2020-21 season and ran her games started streak to 54 straight as she has started every game of her Lady Raider career.
Middle Tennessee women beat Rice 68-65 for C-USA title Associated Press Text size Copy shortlink:
The Blue Raiders earned their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2016.
Anastasia Hayes had 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds for Middle Tennessee (17-7).
Deja Cage who had made just one of her last 17 from behind the arc hit a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired with 1:12 to play to end a 7-0 run by Rice s Nancy Mulkey and make it 66-60. Lauren Schwartz answered with a 3 just 11 seconds later and Jasmine Smith made a layup with 13 seconds to play to make it a one-point game. Rellah Boothe made 1-of-2 free throws for Middle Tennessee to make it 67-65 with nine seconds remaining and then stole a pass before Alexis Whittington made a foul shot to cap the scoring.
Lady Raiders capture C-USA Championship Mar 13, 2021 at 09:55 pm by WGNS
In a rather abnormal year, the Middle Tennessee Lady Raiders returned to a sense of normalcy here Saturday night.
Middle Tennessee (17-7) captured the Conference USA Championship with a riveting 68-65 win against defending champion Rice at the Ford Center at The Star. It marks the Lady Raiders third C-USA championship in four title game appearances and their first since 2016.
Overall, it is the 16th conference tournament title in program history and the eighth in head coach Rick Insell s 16 seasons. The Lady Raiders punched their ticket into the NCAA Tournament for 19th time in program history and the 10th time under head coach Rick Insell.
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