Austin Peay State University - Yearbook (Clarksville, TN)

Page 157 text:

ANXIOUS MOMENTS - Assistant coach Randy Vernon tLem offers advice during a break in the action in the Vanderbilt contest while Teena Brown tBottomt checks the defense as she starts a drive to the basket. Stephannie Steadman tBelowt spots Brenday McFarlin alone under the basket in 65-42 loss against Murray State.

Page 156 text:

Scholarshipless Lady Governors struggle to 3-18 It would be easy to reflect back on the Lady Govs' 1976-77 basketball season and highlight the many frustrating moments coach Betsy Child and her struggling squad experienced as they won only three times in 21 outings and lost their final 14 contests. The Lady Govsl lack of success, however, fails to accurately provide a true picture of the progress the program made last season. Needless to say, there is more to the story than an unimpressive record. Operating without the benefit of scholarships to dangle in front of talented prospects, Child assembled an enthusiastic but inexperienced squad that fought through a difficult schedule. Facing taller and more talented op- ponents quite often, Child's team offered an impressive challenge as they faced some of the top teams in Tennessee and throughout the region. Linda Highfill, a 6-0 senior center, led the Lady Govs in scoring and rebounding as she averaged 18 points and 12.5 rebounds. Teena Brown, a 5-9 junior, played a significant role as she averaged at 12.0 points. Brown offered support on the boards as she pulled down 9.0 rebounds a contest. Other top regulars for the Lady Govs were Brenday McFarlin, Beth Hicks, Karen Bayham, Cil Nunley and Stephanie Steadman. The Lady Govs concluded their season with a 61-53 loss to Carson-Newman but the season propelled that coaching staff into an aggressive recruiting effort to attract area talent into the program. 'tl think you will see a much more competetive team in future years, predicted Child. tlThe 1976-77 team fought hard and their efforts will be remembered. ON THE MOVE - Lady Govs' coach Betsy Child tTopt offers instructions to Linda Highfill during a break in the action in a game at the Winfield Dunn Center. Teena Brown tBelowt looks on for an opening in the Murray State defense.

Page 158 text:

It was a frustrating season for Lady Gov coach Betsy Child and assistant Randy Vernon mottom, Lem as they witnessed their young squad lose two early home contests by slim margins. Linda Highfill Hop, Righn attempts to avoid defensive pressure as she powers her way to the basket. in a 53-52 loss against Murray while Cil Nunley mottom, Right reaches for a rebound in a narrow 60-58 loss against Tennessee Wesleyan.