Rebounding Woes Play Large Part in Loss to League-Leading Pioneers

Olathe, Kan.--The William Penn women's basketball team shot well, but could not overcome problems on the glass as it fell 87-60 to #11 MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Saturday.

WPU (3-21, 2-18 Heart) held a 47.1%-45.8% shooting edge, including a 40.0% mark from behind the arc.  Unfortunately, the visitors were outrebounded 46-22, leading to a 34-6 deficit in second-chance points.

The Statesmen started strong, leading on several occasions in the opening period, with a layup by Carley West (Jr., Saint Paul, Minn., Human Services) putting her squad up 14-11 with 3:25 to go in the first.

MNU (23-2), which tops the Heart at 21-0, answered with an 8-0 run, however, and never trailed again.  Down just 21-16 after 10 minutes of play, William Penn could not get any closer, falling behind 45-26 at intermission.

The navy and gold fought until the final buzzer, including posting a 24-21 scoring edge in the final stanza.

Despite committing six more turnovers (22-16), the Statesmen were only outscored 24-23.

West guided WPU with 23 points, headlined by four three-pointers.  The junior had an outstanding all-around day, also leading the visiting crew in rebounds (7), assists (4), steals (3), and blocks (5).

Jaida Smith (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., Business Management) managed 18 points, while Lacy Whitcomb (Sr., Overland Park, Kan., Psychology) hit double figures as well with 12 points.  Mariah Baltierra (Sr., Norcross, Ga., Sports Management) was also an offensive contributor with seven points off the bench.

The Statesmen came up short at the charity stripe in a game that featured just 25 fouls.  WPU was 4-for-7 at the line, while MidAmerica Nazarene finished 12-for-17.

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa next Wednesday to host Clarke in Heart action at 5:30 p.m.