234 J unior forward Sage Hawley rewrote history when she broke the all-school record for most points scored in a game on Dec. 3, 2022. The record was previously held by Angie Dugger with 40 points scored in February 1997. With the assists from her team, Hawley scored 43 points against Southern Arkansas University (SAU), breaking the almost 25-year-old record. The women’s basketball team conquered SAU 105-103 in overtime. Hawley said she did not know she was close to breaking the school record and was focused on the game. At halftime, she noticed that she had scored about 25 points. After the close win, Hawley was told she had broken the school record. The team celebrated her in the locker room by banging on lockers and cheering, relieved they had won the game. Hawley said she could not receive all the credit. “They got me that record,” Hawley said. “I didn’t do that alone.” For Hawley, playing for the women’s basketball team was more than what happened on the court. It was about the team and the community she was part of. “I love the culture and the team, and that’s really why I’m here,” Hawley said. “We have this bond where on and off the court we can be very critical of each other because we know it comes from a place of love. We care for each other, and we help each other grow. This is my family.” Moving forward, Hawley and the team did not want to dwell on this record, as they were still in the beginning of their season. They were looking forward to their goal of the season: winning the GAC tournament. Sophomore point guard Kendrick Bailey said the team was proud of Hawley and the work she put in outside the season. “I’m thankful that she’s trustworthy,” Bailey said. “In a sport you have to be able to trust your teammates, and it helps to trust them outside of basketball and inside of basketball.” Bailey said Hawley brought energy and leadership to the team. “She keeps us upbeat and keeps us going,” Bailey said. Head women’s basketball coach Tim Kirby said Hawley’s skills, athleticism and size put her on a high level. Her energy and desire for excellence contributed to her abilities. Hawley Making History Junior Sage Hawley sets a school record with the most points scored in a game. LAYUP Giving her all to the game, junior Sage Hawley continuously scores for the team. Hawley’s sportsmanship made her a trustworthy player. Photo by: Julianne Baker “We always emphasize team first and are working to improve every day,” Kirby said. “If we are doing that then she will receive some well deserved recognition along with her teammates.” According to the game recap by assistant athletic director for sports information, Scott Goode, from Harding Sports news, it was the second-highest scoring game in program history. Hawley shot 21 of 31, setting school records for both field goals made and field goal attempts. Written by: Emily Stinnett
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