MARSHALL, Texas- Coming off of Christmas break, the East Texas Baptist University women's basketball team has already made program history. With only one loss on their record, ETBU is 7-1 overall which their best start in the NCAA Division III era. The Tigers will travel to Kerrville, Texas, to compete in the Schreiner University Tournament facing Schreiner University and Texas Lutheran University who compete in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC).

ETBU will take on Schreiner University to kick-off tournament play on Dec. 29 at 6:00 p.m. The Mountaineers will look to avenge a 71-57 loss to the Tigers on Dec. 16. Leading the way for Schreiner is Kendall Dyal averaging 8.7 points and 3.3 assists per game this season.

The Tigers will end the tournament with a contest against Texas Lutheran on Dec. 30 at 2:00 p.m. The Bulldogs enter the tournament with a record of 3-6, with their last victory coming against Hardin-Simmons 79-76 on Dec. 16. Cami Davis is at the forefront of TLU's offense, averaging 17.1 points through the first nine games this season.

Currently the American Southwest Conference Player of the Week, Kim Childress leads the Tigers averaging 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Childress averaged 16.6 points and 8.6 rebounds in the team's last three games. Baylie Lindsey ranks second on the team with 7.3 points and 3.1 rebounds. Lindsey continues to man the defensive effort, averaging 2.7 steals per game. Katy Boren leads the Tigers from beyond the arc, connecting on 15 made three pointers this season. Pacing ETBU's offense is Madison McCoy, who has contributed a well-balanced effort with 5.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

Entering the Schreiner University Tournament with confidence after a great start to the season, head coach Rusty Rainbolt credited the play of his team during the early part of the year.

"To go 7-1 in the fall semester is an amazing blessing by the Lord. These girls have worked and played so hard for us. What they've done for this program has been amazing, and we are beyond thankful," Rainbolt said.   

The first game is at 6:00 p.m. on Friday against Schreiner University.