WPU Fails to Dig Out of Hole in Loss to Wildcats

Oskaloosa--The William Penn women's basketball team made up ground after a poor start, but could not complete its rally in an 80-68 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss to Culver-Stockton Wednesday.

The Statesmen (2-7, 1-4 Heart), who were outshot 51.6%-39.7% and outrebounded 42-31, trailed by double figures early and could not reel in the Wildcats (3-4, 2-1 Heart).

Down 18-6 after the first quarter, the hosts did not find much success in the second period either and headed into the locker room facing a 40-24 deficit.

WPU was much different after intermission, posting a 12-4 run over the opening four minutes to get within single digits.  The third stanza was by far the best of the night for William Penn as it shot 61.1%.

Unfortunately, C-SC produced a response and the navy and gold never truly threatened down the stretch.

Faith Putz (Jr., Urbandale, Iowa, Business Management) guided the home squad with 18 points, while Aliyah Myers (Sr., Wichita, Kan., Business Management) was next with 17 points and team bests in assists (6) and steals (4).

Alyssa Hames (Jr., Ackley, Iowa, Psychology) eclipsed double figures as well with 10, while Erica Martin (Sr., Detroit, Mich., Sports Management) led the bench personnel with nine points in just eight minutes of action.

Ally Stewart (Sr., Victoria, Australia, Sports Management) and Mercer Roberts (Sr., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Wellness and Recreation) also contributed six points apiece Wednesday.

Despite committing seven fewer turnovers than Culver-Stockton (15-22), the Statesmen were outscored 15-14 in points off mistakes.  WPU was also unable to overcome a 22-7 deficit in second-chance points.

"We showed some competitive spirit and heart in the second half," Head Coach Joe McKinstry said.  "Unfortunately, we had dug ourselves too large of a hole at that point.  I am not sure if this is part of the process of becoming who we strive to be by the end of the year, but the only thing to do is move forward and try to get better each day.  That has to be our mindset as we try to grow as a group."

Next Up: William Penn travels to Marshall, Mo. Saturday to face Missouri Valley in Heart play at 2 p.m.