2008 Woodie Awards
Women Defeat Bearcats, Focus on Tournament
Winston Robinson: Muleskinner
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Sports
|
In order for that to happen, the Jennies needed to stay in the win column to try and get a desired fourth or fifth seed for the conference postseason.
After making that the team's goal, the Jennies lost two in a row. With losses to conference opponents Emporia State and Missouri Southern State, the defeats were devastating blows to their chances, but Slifer didn't let them believe they were out.
"We knew we are going to have to make great efforts," Slifer said, "so I just told them to keep their heads up, and this was not the end of the world."
Knowing the door was closing on their opportunity, the Jennies pulled off the feat and punched their ticket to Kansas City by winning two consecutive games.
The Jennies rallied from a 10-point deficit early in the second half Tuesday night to post a 74-64 victory over Southwest Baptist in Bolivar, Mo. Senior guard Lindsey Maple scored 22 of her game-high 24 points during the second-half comeback that resulted in the first home loss of the season for the Lady Bearcats.
Freshman guard Kara Fleming added 15 points. With the win, the Jennies improved its overall record to 13-13, while their MIAA record is 8-9.
"Maple had a huge second half," Slifer said. "She really powered us to a very impressive victory."
The Jennies did exactly what they needed to do to clinch their postseason bid by defeating Missouri Western, 66-49 Saturday inside the Multipurpose Building. That win helped the Jennies make it to their fifth-straight post-season appearance.
In the spot-clinching game, the Jennies gave a tenacious performance. Kara Fleming scored a career-high 23 points that led the way offensively, and her five steals, along with senior center Jojuana Jones' 12 rebounds, led the defensive charge. However, the most impressive performance came from junior guard Dominica Blakemore.
Be the first to comment on this story