AUM women’s basketball hits hard against the UAH Chargers
By: Kate Lindsey-Hunter and Trace Espinosa
On the night of February 20, the AUM women’s basketball team played a celebratory D2 Day home game against the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), losing 73-53, but displaying perseverance and determination.
The team’s development and resilience as they continue to strive for the Gulf South Conference (GSC) Championships are highlighted by the defeat. The annual D2 Day not only commemorates AUM’s dedication to Division II athletics, but this year it gave the Warhawks a significant chance to improve their GSC standings. AUM found moments of greatness despite the pressure and early setbacks against one of the best teams in the conference.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Division II includes nearly 300 colleges and universities, allowing student-athletes across the nation to compete at a high level while excelling in education and campus activities.
The game started quickly, but AUM had a rough opening when UAH scored a quick layup after a turnover on their starting possession. With a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, UAH kept control early.
Heading into halftime with a 30-38 underscore, the Warhawks were more hyped than ever. By the third period, the intensity of the game had risen. Despite a strong push in the fourth quarter, AUM fell behind, with the final score at 53-73. However, the true story of the game wasn’t in the final score—it was about the determination and resilience of the players and coaches.
Before the game, Assistant Coach Kim Kern was asked about the team’s mindset. When asked what the biggest key to securing a win would be, she said, “We need to control the pace of the game.” She emphasized the importance of setting the tempo and staying disciplined.
When asked to describe the team’s identity, she said, “That’s tough,” before adding, “I’d say we’re hard-working student-athletes who push ourselves to be challenged.” She made it clear that this was not just about winning—it was about persistence in the face of adversity.
After the game, Coach Kern reflected on the match: “There were bits and pieces of really good play, but we just couldn’t put the whole game together.” She acknowledged UAH’s strength in the GSC, saying, “You’ve got to play a nearly perfect game to beat them. We showed improvement, but we just didn’t fully connect all five players on the court for the entire 40 minutes.”
Standout player and AUM team captain, Allasha Dudley, took charge in the second period, working hard to narrow the gap. Her effort kept AUM within reach, but UAH ultimately maintained their lead. Dudley led the offensive attack, boosting the home crowd’s energy in the second half, making four three-pointers and scoring 17 points. She kept the team motivated through difficult setbacks.
Dudley commented on her role in keeping the team focused: “I gotta show up for my team regardless of how I’m feeling… I was open, so I shot. Nothing new to me.”
Throughout the game, the Warhawks showed skilled ball movement, pushing forward and sharing multiple scoring opportunities. However, the Chargers capitalized on points off rebounds and extended their lead in the third quarter. AUM’s 29 turnovers compared to UAH’s 11 significantly set the Warhawks back.
Even though AUM kept up their aggressive play in the fourth quarter, UAH’s consistency won the game. Coach Kern highlighted the progress since the teams’ last meeting, despite the final 20-point loss: “The last time we played them, we lost by 40. So, cutting that in half shows progress… We just need to stay consistent and keep building.”
Dudley shared her thoughts on balancing academics and athletics. She said, “You’ve got to keep track of everything and take on a lot of responsibility.” While proud of her team, she also noted areas for improvement.
Though the Warhawks didn’t come out on top, the lessons learned from this game are invaluable. The women’s AUM basketball team demonstrated grit and determination. Their poised demeanor, even under pressure, showed their commitment to overcoming obstacles and facing adversity head-on. With their sights set on the next game, AUM is ready to keep pushing forward.
The team will hit the road tonight for a 5:30 p.m. rematch against UAH in hopes of securing a victory and advancing to the GSC Championship on Saturday.
