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Career Nights from Hymas and Byrd Propel Warrior Women to First Round Victory Over Royals
LC State seniors lead the way as Warriors advance to NAIA Second Round
Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:32pm
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The senior duo of Payton Hymas and Sitara Byrd put together career-best performances to lift fourth-seeded LC State over 13th-seeded Hope International (Calif.) in the NAIA Women's Basketball First Round. Hymas scored a career-high 25 points while Byrd grabbed a career-best 15 rebounds as the Warriors came from behind to win 72-61 and advance to the Second Round.
Why it matters
This victory keeps LC State's season alive as they continue their quest for the NAIA Women's Basketball Championship. The Warriors will now face a tough test against fifth-seeded Montana Tech on Saturday with a trip to the final site of the tournament on the line.
The details
After trailing 22-16 after the first quarter, LC State battled back to tie the game at 34-34 by halftime. The Warriors then took control in the second half, outscoring the Royals 38-27 over the final two quarters. Hymas and Byrd led the way, with Hymas scoring 25 points and Byrd recording a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Kendall Wallace and Tatum Brager also hit key 3-pointers to spark the LC State offense.
- The game was played on Friday, March 14, 2026.
The players
Payton Hymas
A senior guard for LC State who scored a career-high 25 points in the victory.
Sitara Byrd
A senior forward for LC State who grabbed a career-best 15 rebounds and recorded a double-double with 14 points.
Caelyn Orlandi
The head coach of the LC State women's basketball team.
Nicole Chuang
A player for Hope International who scored 18 points in the first quarter to keep the Royals in the game early.
Madalyn Green
A freshman for LC State who provided a spark off the bench with a pair of clutch baskets.
What they’re saying
“I was proud of our team today. They made big plays and got stops when they needed to. We had some great individual performances as well and every player on the court was impactful today. We always love postseason wins and get to enjoy this one, but a quick turnaround to face another tough opponent tomorrow.”
— Caelyn Orlandi, Head Coach
“Sitara Byrd was so incredibly tough today. Her 15 rebounds were remarkable, her 14 points were earned and her passing today was excellent. Payton Hymas was so strong on her drives today, finished well at the basket, knocked down free throws and defended so well. The senior toughness they showed today was top notch and I was so proud of both of them tonight. They left it all on the court.”
— Caelyn Orlandi, Head Coach
What’s next
The Warriors will face fifth-seeded Montana Tech on Saturday in the NAIA Second Round with a trip to the final site of the 2026 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship on the line.
The takeaway
LC State's senior leaders Payton Hymas and Sitara Byrd delivered career-best performances to lead the Warriors to a hard-fought victory in the NAIA First Round. Their veteran leadership and clutch play will be crucial as LC State looks to advance even further in the tournament.
