HERE WE GO: Lady Toppers Take On Jacksonville State on Thursday
The excitement is palpable in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the Western Kentucky Lady Toppers prepare for a thrilling matchup against Jacksonville State this Thursday. The game, set to tip off at 7 PM EST in Diddle Arena, promises to be a high-energy showdown between two teams eager to make their mark in the Conference USA standings.
For the Lady Toppers, Thursday’s game marks a pivotal moment in their season. With a solid record of 10-4, the team is looking to build momentum and continue their ascent in the conference. Head coach Greg Collins, who has led the Lady Toppers through numerous successful seasons, expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete at a high level.
“We’ve been working hard all season, and this game is a huge opportunity for us to prove just how far we’ve come,” Collins said in a recent interview. “Jacksonville State is a tough opponent, but I know we’re ready. We’ve got the talent, the drive, and the passion to get the job done.”
The Lady Toppers are coming off a dominant 72-56 victory over UTSA, where their defense was stifling and their offense clicked on all cylinders. Junior guard Alexis Reed, who has been one of the team’s standout players this season, played a crucial role in the win, scoring a game-high 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
Reed’s impressive performance came on the heels of a 20-point outing in the Lady Toppers’ victory over Rice, further solidifying her place as one of the top players in the conference. With her speed, agility, and sharpshooting from beyond the arc, Reed is expected to be a key factor in Thursday’s game against Jacksonville State.
“I’ve been feeling more confident with each game,” Reed said. “We’ve been practicing hard, and I know my teammates and I are ready for this challenge. We’re focused on getting a win and taking it one game at a time.”
Jacksonville State, however, will not be an easy opponent. The Gamecocks come into the game with a 9-5 record and have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Led by star forward Mia Simmons, who is averaging 16 points per game, Jacksonville State has the firepower to match the Lady Toppers on both ends of the court. Simmons is known for her explosive scoring ability, as well as her strong presence in the paint. The Lady Toppers’ defense will need to keep her in check if they hope to secure the win.
“We can’t underestimate them,” Collins warned. “Jacksonville State is a talented team with some dynamic players, especially Mia Simmons. We’ll have to play disciplined basketball, stay locked in, and take away their strengths.”
The Lady Toppers’ defense will be anchored by senior center Kayla Smith, whose shot-blocking ability has been a game-changer for Western Kentucky this season. Smith, alongside Reed and fellow starters Emily Russell and Sarah Hurd, will need to execute a game plan that limits Jacksonville State’s offensive production while taking advantage of their own fast-paced, high-scoring style.
For the Lady Toppers, this game is about more than just winning—it’s a chance to continue building a sense of unity and confidence that could carry them far in the postseason. With conference play heating up, every victory counts as the team sets its sights on a potential tournament berth.
As the fans pack into Diddle Arena for what promises to be an electric atmosphere, one thing is certain: Thursday’s matchup between the Lady Toppers and Jacksonville State will be one you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for all the action, and don’t forget to show your support for the Lady Toppers as they aim for another victory in their quest for greatness.
