AUGUSTA, Ga – Prior to today's victory over the visiting Newberry College Wolves, Augusta University paid a special tribute to a graduating senior women's basketball player.

Today (Dec 17) marked the December graduation ceremonies for Augusta University. Opting to play in today's contest, senior All-Conference performer Kennedi Manning was unable to participate in formal commencement exercises and missed the opportunity to walk across the stage with her classmates. As a special presentation, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel brought Kennedi Manning's commencement to Christenberry Fieldhouse. Along with Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. David Hunt and the Augusta University College of Science and Mathematics, Dr. Keel conferred Kennedi Manning's psychology degree on Clint L. Bryant Court prior to tipoff.
 

View the full video of Kennedi Manning's special commencement ceremony below



"It was a very special moment to have Dr. Keel present Kennedi with her diploma here at Christenberry Fieldhouse," said interim head coach Celeste Stewart. "I'm so thankful to. Ryan Erlacher, athletic department staff, Dr. Keel, and Augusta University for making this moment so special. We all are so proud of Kennedi's accomplishments and for her to support the team on her graduation day is a true example of being a team player. We are so glad to have her be a representation of our women's basketball program."

"We are beyond proud of Kennedi for her tremendous achievement," said Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "For President Keel to find the time to make this day special for Kennedi says a lot about the leadership we have in place here at Augusta. We are extremely grateful for all of his support and appreciate everyone who helped make this day happen for Kennedi."

Manning will return to Augusta University in the spring to continue her athletic career and begin the Master's in Counselor Education program. 

 
AUGUSTA vs NEWBERRY
Augusta University women's basketball carded a 52-43 victory over the visiting Newberry College Wolves on Saturday afternoon.  Augusta improves to 8-2 while Newbery falls to falls to 5-7.  

Augusta (8-2)
FG% 37.3
3PT% 20
FT% 61.5
 
Newberry  (5-7)
FG% 33.3
3PT% 25
FT% 62.5


Augusta was dominant in the paint, scoring 38 points to Newberry's 18 points in the paint. While Newberry snatched two more rebounds than Augusta, AU proved more efficient, shooting 37.3 percent from the field. AU was also able to add 15 points off of Newberry turnovers.
 
The Jaguars were paced by Kiera Howards 12 points.  Mone Florence carded 11 points. Kennedi Manning turned in yet another double-double, tallying 10 points and snagging 13 rebounds. Autumn Phillips was also in double-figures, scoring 10 points for AU.


The Jaguars travel to take on Anderson on Mon Dec 19 before returning home to host Emmanuel on New Year's Eve. Live video and stats can be found at www.augustajags.com
 
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