WPU Fails to Net Sweep in Season Finale Loss to Wildcats

Baldwin City, Kan.--The Statesmen women's basketball team wrapped up its campaign Saturday with a 65-42 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss to Baker.

William Penn (4-24, 3-21 Heart), which defeated the Wildcats (9-17, 8-16 Heart) in Oskaloosa back on January 20, could not post the season sweep as it was outshot 35.7%-31.4%.  More devastating, however, was that BU posted a 20-4 edge in free throws and also outscored the visiting squad 24-9 in points off turnovers.  WPU had 22 errors, compared to 10 for the home crew.

The navy and gold scored the first points of the game on a bucket by Carley West (Jr., Saint Paul, Minn., Human Services), but trailed for the remainder of the opening period.  They did bounce back, though, eventually going up 16-12 with 7:08 to go until the break.

Unfortunately, Baker found its groove from there and used a huge run to lead 29-18 at intermission.

WPU never recovered on the afternoon, even though it managed to own a 41-35 rebounding margin, resulting in an 11-4 advantage in second-chance points.

Lacy Whitcomb (Sr., Overland Park, Kan., Psychology) headlined the Statesmen with 13 points, including three three-pointers, while West also reached double figures with 10 points.

Jaida Smith (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., Business Management) was good for an additional six points and four steals, while Aysia Arrowood (Sr., Wichita, Kan., Sports Management) topped the rebounding efforts with nine collections.

"This was a tough way to end the season on the road, but give credit to Baker as they were the better team today," Interim Head Coach Sheawn Bedford said.  "This year has been filled with ups and downs, and I am extremely proud of each and every person in our program that finished out the season."