The Washington University women’s basketball team capped off another successful season.
Junior point guard Shanna-Lei Dacanay reflected, “We had to find our ‘personality’ as a team, which was a struggle throughout the first half of the season. It was definitely a season of ups and downs, but we dealt with adversity as it came to us, so it was definitely a season of growing.”
Fellow starter Zo‰ Unruh added, “I’m very excited for next season, as I am looking forward to building on the chemistry from this year.”
The Wash. U. women’s basketball team wrapped up their season with a loss to DePauw University in the Regional finals of the NCAA Tournament. The Bears finished with a 19-8 overall record (10-4 UAA), which left them tied for second place in the UAA with the University of Rochester.
Four of the eight UAA teams made it to the NCAA Tournament, and the UAA conference champion was not decided until the last game of the regular season, when the University of Chicago defeated the Bears on March 1. The Bears also never lost to the same team twice in conference play.
A few Wash. U. players earned conference recognition as well. Alex Hoover, a point guard with the game-winning layup in overtime against Rochester, was named UAA Rookie of the Year. Sophomore Janice Evans was named first team All-Conference. Evans led the Bears in rebounds (6.8 per game), steals (34), and points per game (10.4). Juniors Jill Brandt and Halsey Ward, along with sophomore Unruh, garnered honorable mention awards.
A key factor in the Bear’s success during the 2007-2008 season was home court advantage. The team remained undefeated at the Field House with a 12-0 record, which extends their overall home streak to 23 games. Team captain Jamie McFarlin does not excuse the team’s road losses, but she does know how important location can be for her team.
“The Wash. U. program is consistently successful at home. There is a distinct comfort level of playing in front of our fans and in the best gym in Division III,” she said.
McFarlin led the Bears early in the season before tearing her ACL and lateral meniscus during their seventh game.
Many players cite the away game at New York University as the most memorable moment of the season. The Bears came back from a 17-point deficit to win the game by six in front of a packed NYU house.
“This season meant a lot to me; there are plenty of moments that I’ll take with me as loving memories of these girls and the game,” said Sarah Tibesar, a captain and the team’s lone senior.
The women’s basketball team has high hopes for next season, with only Tibesar leaving. “We have serious off-season preparation,” said McFarlin, “and can’t wait for the balls to start bouncing on the hardwood again.”