Waxahachie, TX | February 12, 2026 – Senior Day at the Sheaffer Center delivered the emotion, the energy, and the execution.

With a unique starting lineup honoring the Lady Lions seniors, the stage was set Thursday night as Nelson University welcomed Mid-America Christian for a pivotal SAC clash. When the final horn sounded, the Lady Lions had protected home court with a hard-fought 74–67 victory.

MACU struck first, taking a 14–12 edge after one quarter. The Evangels shot confidently early, but Nelson stayed composed. Senior presence, steady defense, and rebounding kept things within striking distance.

Then came the second quarter surge.

The Lady Lions erupted for 22 points in the second period while holding MACU to just eight. It was a three-point clinic and a defensive clampdown.

Ashley Gonzalez ignited the Sheaffer Center with four second-quarter triples, part of her 14-point performance. Lauryn Scalice and Kaitlyn McKenna joined the perimeter party, stretching the floor and forcing MACU into tough looks. Nelson finished the night shooting 41.2% from three (14-of-34) , a difference-maker in a tight SAC battle.

By halftime, Nelson had built a 34–22 advantage, and the roar inside the building felt different.

When the game tightened in the second half, senior leadership answered.

Paris Miller was electric.

She poured in a game-high 26 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, and added four assists in a dominant all-around performance. Whether it was attacking in transition, stepping into rhythm threes, or finishing through contact, Miller delivered moment after moment worthy of Senior Day.

In the fourth quarter, with MACU pushing and the margin shrinking, Nelson stayed poised at the free throw line knocking down 12-of-15 for the game (80%). Clutch free throws in the final minute sealed it.

Bench production was another key spark, with 34 points coming from Nelson's reserves, a testament to depth, preparation, and buy-in across the roster.

Lauryn Scalice added 14 points, shooting 3-of-5 from deep, while Kaitlyn McKenna contributed 10 points and six assists in a steady floor-general performance. Kate Miller chipped in key rebounds and timely shots, helping swing momentum during pivotal stretches.

It wasn't just a win. It was a Senior Day performance that reflected toughness, maturity, and championship habits.

Next Up

The Lady Lions hit the road for another SAC test:

Feb. 14 (Sat) | 2:00 PM
at University of Science and Arts (Okla.)
Chickasha, OK

Nelson University (formerly SA GU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.