The third-ranked Washington University women’s basketball team ended its successful season on March 10 with a loss to fourth-ranked Hope College in the NCAA Sectionals. The 92-89 loss was only the squad’s third of the season, but it came at the hands of the eventual 2006 NCAA champs. The Bears ended the season with a 25-3 overall mark.
“Since we won the championship [in 2001], we’ve run up against four of the last five [teams] who won the title,” said head coach Nancy Fahey. “I think it’s a reflection of a good level of play and it’s better to be in that company than not.”
The Flying Dutch came into the game ranked 11th in Division III scoring average (76.9 ppg), so the Bears knew defense would be a key to the game.
“The keys for the Hope game were that of every other game,” said senior captain Danielle Beehler. “We just didn’t get a hand in the face of their shooters and they came out on fire from the field.”
Hope came out strong, hitting 13 of their first 15 shots, including five-of-six from three-point range. The hot shooting continued, as Hope shot 60.6 percent from the field in the first half.
“Strategically, we run and they run, and the score showed that,” said Fahey.
The Bears fell behind 34-15 midway through the first half before mounting an 18-2 run behind senior captain Kelly Manning’s nine straight points, cutting the lead to 55-45 at halftime.
“We knew they were an aggressive defensive team and it took us the first 10 minutes to respond, and that’s why the game was so tight,” said Fahey. Manning tallied 18 points in the first half, while junior Rebecca Parker added 10 of her own.
The Bears continued to rally into the second half, holding Hope scoreless for the first six minutes, while collecting a 13-0 run to take the first lead of the game 60-59. After rallying several times in the game, the Bears fell behind 88-82 with two minutes remaining before pulling within two with a minute left. Manning, who posted a .429 average from beyond the arc this season, took a three-pointer from the corner, but missed with 40 seconds remaining. Forced to foul, the Bears ended up falling in a high-scoring struggle that they could not overcome.
“It was a great basketball game as a spectator, but unfortunately we were on the losing end. When that many points are scored you want to look at the defensive end, but at that time of year, you put two teams who are good teams and that’s the nature of the game,” said Fahey.
The Bears had four players in double digits. Led by WBCA All-American Kelly Manning’s 31 points, the Bears shot 50 percent for the game. Manning’s 31 points move her into third place on the University’s single-season scoring list with 560 points. She finishes her career with 1,580 points, the third most in school history. Beehler added 12 points and eight rebounds and moved into eighth place on the all-time rebounding list with 582. She was also named a WBCA All-American Honorable Mention. Senior captain Katie Benson added 12 points as well.
“Throughout the season they stepped up. They played like seniors and we never wanted their season to end,” said Fahey. “They played with heart, determination and they gave themselves to that game and to the team, so we all wanted to see them play one more game.”
Juniors Rebecca Parker and Sarah Schell contributed greatly in the game. Parker collected her fifth double-double with 19 points and 12 boards. Schell added five points and 10 assists, which moves her into second place all-time on the career assists list with 317.
Looking to the future, the graduating seniors and the coaching staff are optimistic.
“Next season now falls to the leaders of the upcoming senior class. They all know our traditions, and I am sure that they will push the team to bring about another successful year,” said Beehler.
“As a whole, I think the underclassmen can continue the tradition. We look forward to people stepping up and doing it in their way. We don’t replace seniors. We try to let the new team take its natural form. We feel like we have a good nucleus back, but we feel the incoming class will inspire competitive practices,” added Fahey.
Even with the loss, the Bears saw great success this season.
“This team is well focused on what they wanted to accomplish. We had enough tough games this year that they already demonstrated their resolve,” said Fahey. “I’m proud of their composure and their ‘never quit’ attitude. The best part of the season has to be winning conference, getting to the tourney and advancing, but also having fun while doing it.”
With more awards yet to come, the senior class leaves an impressive mark on the program. “There are so many people that have made my time here so special, and I hope I was able to give a little of that experience back in how I handled myself on and off the court,” said Beehler. “It has been so special these past few years and it is something I will never forget.”
Even with the loss in the post-season, the marks left on the record books – and all the accolades collected – make this senior class hard to forget.