ROANOKE, Va. The Methodist women's basketball team opened its 2026–27 campaign on Saturday, facing Agnes Scott College at the Empowerment Classic, hosted by Hollins University. After a slow start, the Monarchs found their offensive rhythm and built a comfortable lead before securing a 56–43 victory over the Scotties at the W. Channing Howe Playing Courts.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Agnes Scott, 56-43
Records: Methodist 1–0, Agnes Scott 0–1
Location: W. Channing Howe Playing Courts; Roanoke, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After surrendering an early three-pointer, sophomore Taylor Watford and junior Kayleen Grullon combined for Methodist's first five points, giving the Monarchs a 5–3 lead less than two minutes into the new season. Both teams struggled with turnovers over the next five minutes, keeping the score unchanged. Agnes Scott eventually ended the scoring drought with five consecutive points to take an 8–5 advantage. With just under three minutes remaining in the opening quarter, sophomore Kennedy Leggett knocked down her first three-pointer to even the score at 8–8. However, the Scotties closed the quarter with a 6–3 run to take a 14–9 lead into the second.
- The second quarter opened with junior Giavonna Dunlap and Grullon connecting on back-to-back baskets to put Methodist back in front, 15–14. Agnes Scott quickly reclaimed the lead with a layup, but junior Korin Gladden took control offensively, scoring six of the Monarchs' next eight points to help build a 23–16 advantage. Following an exchange of baskets, Gladden continued to lead the Methodist attack, scoring four consecutive points in the final minutes of the half to send the Monarchs into the locker room ahead, 30–20.
- The third quarter began with both teams trading baskets before the scoring slowed once again. Nearly four minutes passed before Methodist found its offensive rhythm, putting together an 11–0 run to extend its lead to 43–21. Agnes Scott chipped away at the deficit in the final minute and a half, outscoring the Monarchs 6–1 to make it 44–27 heading into the fourth quarter.
- In the fourth, Dunlap converted a pair of free throws, while Grullon added a free throw before knocking down a jumper to extend Methodist's lead to 49–29. Agnes Scott responded with a 6–0 run to cut the deficit to 49–35, but junior Jada Richardson answered with a layup at the 6:06 mark. The Scotties continued to chip away, pulling within 51–41 with 3:39 remaining. Methodist then made its free throws count, as Watford and freshman Reagan Norris combined for three consecutive makes at the line to push the lead to 54–41. After Agnes Scott trimmed the margin to 54–43, Richardson secured an offensive rebound and converted the putback with 1:34 remaining to put the Monarchs ahead by 13. Methodist's defense held the Scotties scoreless the rest of the way, closing out the 56–43 victory.
MORE TO IT
- Gladden led the Monarchs with 16 points, making a game-high seven field goals. She also paced Methodist with eight rebounds and three steals.
- Grullon also reached double figures with 12 points. Richardson narrowly missed a double-double, finishing with eight points and eight rebounds while matching her career high with three blocks.
- Methodist's defensive effort also featured eight total blocks.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to action for Day 2 of the Empowerment Classic on Sunday, November 8, against tournament host Hollins University. The opening tip is set for 4 PM.
