Longwood University Athletics

FARMVILLE, Va. – Due to a positive COVID-19 test by a Tier One individual and subsequent contract tracing within the program, Longwood women's basketball has withdrawn from the 2021 Women's Basketball Invitational.
 
The Lancers were one of eight teams set to participate in the three-day tournament in Frankfort, Ky., this Friday through Sunday, March 19-21, after receiving the program's first-ever postseason bid of the Division I era.
 
Longwood earned that historic WBI invitation on the strength of a breakthrough season under third-year head coach Rebecca Tillett, who led the Lancers to a third-place finish in the Big South, a 14-11 overall record and to the semifinals of the 2021 Big South Championship. The Lancers set program records in both Big South wins and winning percentage, finishing at 12-6 in league play, and went 11-3 at home in Willett Hall.
 
"While we're really disappointed to be unable to participate in a historic postseason for us, nothing diminishes what this team has been able to do together," Tillett said.
 
"In a time when people are separated from their families and facing real hardships, our team was able to put each other first and find a way to create joy, love and a family atmosphere when we're all missing that so much. We look forward to the time when we can get back together safely, and we look forward to continued success."
 
The withdrawal brings an end to a 2020-21 season that saw the Lancers finish as the Big South's No. 2 scoring team and the league leader in multiple categories, including blocks, offensive rebounding and free throw percentage. Leading that charge were All-Big South Defensive Player of the Year Akila Smith, fellow All-Big South first team selection Kyla McMakin, All-Big South honorable mention point guard Tra'Dayja Smith and fellow starters Anne-Hamilton LeRoy and Adriana Shipp.
 
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