Bernell DorroughThe Washington University women’s basketball season came to an end last Friday when the team was defeated 68-60 by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the sectional semifinals of the NCAA Division III tournament. The game was held at Quandt Fieldhouse in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
The Bears advanced to the semifinals the previous Saturday by beating Millikin University 72-59. Sophomore Kelly Manning paced the Bears in the game with 22 points while grabbing seven rebounds. Senior Lesley Hawley added 18 points. Junior Hallie Hutchens contributed with 16 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Hutchens noted that she actually feels more at ease in tournament play than during the regular season.
“I feel more comfortable in the NCAA Tournament,” Hutchens said. “If we lose, our season is over. I don’t make a conscious effort to pick up my game in the postseason. I play each game the same.”
Bears head coach Nancy Fahey praised the quality of the game.
“It was a classic NCAA Tournament game,” Fahey said. “We wanted to keep the tempo up in the second half. When it gets down to two good teams, things like free-throw shooting are very important.”
With the win, the Bears headed to Wisconsin to take on Stevens-Point. Stevens-Point entered the game ranked no. four while the Bears were ranked no. 10.
The Bears began the game strongly with Hawley nailing two threes on the first two possessions to take a six-zero lead. A 26-23 advantage with five minutes remaining in the first half would be the last lead the Bears would see, however. Stevens-Point ended the first on a 15-3 run to take a 38-29 lead. They never looked back.
Despite the loss, Coach Fahey was pleased with her team’s effort and again lauded the high level of play in the game.
“The first thing I said to my kids is that it was a great college basketball game,” Fahey said. “I think at this point of the season that is what championship teams do: one team makes a run and the other team makes a run back. I knew our kids would not fold, and I knew Stevens Point would not fold either.”
The Bears finished their season with a record of 22-5.
Washington University vs. Millikin University
Saturday, March 6 at St. Louis, MO
—————at the half—–final
Washington University—–36——-72
University of Chicago——27——-59
Washington University vs. U of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Saturday, March 12 at Stevens Point, WI
—————at the half—–final
UW – Stevens Point——-38——–83
Washington University—–29——-76