WPU Loses Senior Day Matchup with Ravens

Oskaloosa--On an afternoon when the William Penn women's basketball team recognized its veterans, it could not come up with the upset on Senior Day as it fell 81-49 to Benedictine in a Heart of America Athletic Conference game Saturday.

The Statesmen (3-22, 2-19 Heart), who were outshot 44.1%-27.1% and outrebounded 49-29, did a commendable job in ball control.  The hosts finished with 16 turnovers, but were able to force 17 mistakes by the Ravens (21-5, 18-4 Heart).

The navy and gold trailed just 4-3 midway through what appeared to be a low-scoring opening period.  They were still behind only 6-3 with 3:27 left to go in the first, but unfortunately, BC went on a tear with 14 points down the stretch for a 20-3 advantage at the end of the stanza.

William Penn kept it a reasonable margin throughout the second and third quarters, being outscored just 36-33 in the middle of the battle.  It was not enough in the end to put a real scare into the Ravens, though, and Benedictine throttled it up in the final period to put the game on ice.

WPU's rebounding struggles led to the host squad losing the second-chance fight 17-5.  Although the Statesmen had fewer turnovers, they were also outscored 23-13 in points off mistakes.

Just four Statesmen put the ball in the hoop Saturday, but each member of the quartet had significant numbers.  Heading the way was Jaida Smith (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., Business Management) with 18 points on 7-for-16 shooting.  The senior knocked down three three-pointers in the contest.

Carley West (Jr., Saint Paul, Minn., Human Services), who was next with 17 points, was productive in every category as she also tallied six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.

A trio of trifectas helped Lacy Whitcomb (Sr., Overland Park, Kan., Psychology) to nine points, while Aysia Arrowood (Sr., Wichita, Kan., Sports Management) finished with five points in addition to a team-high seven rebounds (three steals as well).

Next Up: William Penn remains to Oskaloosa Monday to host Clarke in Heart play at 5:30 p.m.