The Lancers tipped off their season with a decisive statement, dispatching Lincoln (PA) 81-70 in front of their home crowd on November 4. It was the kind of win that laid the groundwork for what this team could become—a well-rounded unit capable of dominating on both ends of the court.

But basketball is a game of highs and lows, and Longwood’s mettle was tested early. A 62-71 road loss to Norfolk State could have rattled them. Instead, it galvanized them. In their next outing, the Lancers dismantled Hood College in historic fashion, delivering a jaw-dropping 102-21 beatdown. The win wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was about setting a tone of relentlessness and focus.

Their momentum continued with a 59-41 grind-it-out victory over American University, further solidifying their reputation as a team that can adapt to different styles of play. But the real tests were still to come.

The Georgia Southern Thriller

November 16 brought the Lancers to Statesboro, Georgia, where they faced a battle-hardened Georgia Southern squad. The game had all the makings of a classic. Down by 13 points in the third quarter, Longwood didn’t flinch. Instead, they punched back with one of their most inspired stretches of the season. A ferocious 24-13 run flipped the momentum, with sophomore forward Frances Ulysse leading the charge.

Ulysse, who poured in a career-high 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, was unstoppable in the paint. Freshman guard Lili Booker added firepower from the perimeter, drilling three clutch three-pointers as part of her 13-point performance. For a brief moment, it looked like the Lancers would steal a road win against all odds.

But Georgia Southern held their ground, and despite Longwood’s best efforts, the Lancers fell 68-64. It was a loss on paper, but a victory in spirit—a testament to the team’s ability to dig deep and fight back when the odds are stacked against them.

Queens University: A Gritty Response

Two days later, Longwood faced Queens University in a must-win scenario. The Lancers answered the call with poise and determination, grinding out a 80-66 victory in a game that tested their mental toughness.

This time, it wasn’t about a single player’s heroics—it was about collective will. The Lancers’ balanced scoring attack and relentless defense kept Queens at bay, even as the game tightened in the final minutes. Longwood’s ability to recover from a heartbreaking loss just days earlier showcased a level of maturity and focus that will serve them well as the season wears on.

The Stats Behind the Story

Longwood’s performance this season has been anchored by a rock-solid defense that suffocates opponents. They’re allowing just 56.2 points per game, ranking 75th nationally. They also force turnovers at a blistering rate, forcing 27.8 a game, ranking 12th in Division 1. Opposing offenses don’t just struggle against Longwood—they’re outright stymied.

Offensively, the Lancers are no slouches either. Averaging 74.7 points per game (93rd nationally), they’ve shown they can score in bursts or execute in the half-court. Their shooting numbers—41.1% from the field, 32.1% from three, and a stellar 69.1% from the free-throw line—reflect a disciplined approach to finding high-percentage looks and capitalizing on opportunities.

Rebounding has been another hallmark of their game, with the team pulling down 43.0 boards per contest. This dominance on the glass has allowed Longwood to control tempo, extend possessions, and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents.

Players Rising to the Moment

Sophomore forward Frances Ulysse has become a linchpin for the Lancers, with her breakout performance against Georgia Southern showcasing her potential to be a difference-maker in high-pressure situations. Her ability to dominate the boards and finish around the rim makes her a matchup nightmare.

Freshman guard Lili Booker has quickly established herself as a sharpshooting threat. Her knack for hitting timely three-pointers has added a new dimension to Longwood’s offense, keeping defenses honest and creating space for her teammates to operate.

But the real story of this team is its depth. Coach Lang-Montgomery has cultivated a roster where every player knows their role and contributes. This collective effort has been key to the Lancers’ success and will be critical as the season intensifies.

The Lang-Montgomery Effect

Erika Lang-Montgomery has transformed Longwood into a team that believes in itself. Her emphasis on defense, discipline, and togetherness has given the Lancers an identity that extends beyond the court. Under her leadership, they don’t just play hard—they play smart. They adjust. They learn. They refuse to back down.

Her ability to integrate new players like Booker into the system while getting the best out of veterans like Ulysse has been masterful. This isn’t just a team with potential—it’s a team with a plan, and Lang-Montgomery is the architect.

What’s Next?

The road ahead isn’t any easier. With a schedule packed with tough Big South matchups, the Lancers will need to maintain their defensive intensity and continue finding ways to score in crunch time. Each game presents an opportunity to grow, to refine their identity, and to prove they belong among the best in the conference.

But if these early games have taught us anything, it’s that Longwood won’t be intimidated. They’ve faced adversity, stared it down, and come out stronger. And as the season unfolds, this team has the potential to make a statement—not just to their conference, but to the nation.

The Bigger Picture

The 2024-25 Longwood Lancers are more than their record. They’re a team that fights through adversity, rises to challenges, and learns from every setback. They’ve shown they can take a punch and come back swinging, whether it’s in a nail-biter against Georgia Southern or a gritty victory over Queens.

With every game, the Lancers are proving they belong in conversations about the Big South’s elite. Their story is still being written, but one thing is clear: this is a team worth watching, a team that refuses to back down, and a team that’s only scratching the surface of what it can achieve.