COLUMBIA, S.C. – Bluefield University women's basketball earned its first win of the 2025–26 season Wednesday evening, using balanced scoring and a strong second-half effort to defeat Columbia International, 65–54, at Moore Fitness Center.
The Rams settled in early after a slow start, responding to Columbia International's opening run with timely perimeter shooting. Charli Wynn knocked down a three-pointer to tie the game at 3–3, and Elle Gunter followed with a jumper and a layup to give Bluefield its first lead. Despite CIU closing the quarter with a late three, the Rams stayed within reach, trailing 16–11 after one.
BU found its rhythm in the second quarter, opening the period with a Zoey Snavely three and a fast-break layup by Ashanti Northcross to even the score at 16–16. Anna Smith added a jumper in the lane, and Northcross continued to attack the rim, helping the Rams regain the lead midway through the quarter. Wynn and Chloe Shields each connected from beyond the arc in the closing minutes, allowing Bluefield to head into halftime trailing by just one possession.
The Rams took control coming out of the break. Gunter drilled a three early in the third quarter, and Shields followed with a transition triple to spark a decisive run. Northcross added back-to-back fast-break layups, and Wynn connected again from deep as BU stretched its lead to six. Strong defensive pressure forced turnovers, and the Rams carried a 45–39 advantage into the fourth.
Bluefield maintained composure down the stretch. Wynn opened the final period by converting two free throws, and Northcross continued to control the pace, scoring in transition and knocking down free throws to push the lead into double figures. Gunter added a key layup midway through the quarter, while Smith sealed the game late at the line as the Rams closed on a 20–13 fourth-quarter advantage.
Northcross led BU with 17 points, adding six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Gunter followed with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, while Wynn delivered a strong all-around performance with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Shields chipped in eight points, and Smith contributed four points and five rebounds off the bench.
Bluefield returns home Friday for a non-conference matchup against Johnson & Wales, tipping off at 5:30 p.m. inside The Dome.
