WPU Ends Year with Loss to C-SC

Canton, Mo.–The Statesmen women’s basketball team concluded its 2021-2022 campaign with a 54-40 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss to Culver-Stockton Saturday.

William Penn (5-25, 5-14 Heart) was stymied on offense, being limited to just 25.0% from the field. The visitors’ defense was solid, though, holding the Wildcats (14-14, 8-11 Heart) to 39.6% overall, but it was not enough to overcome its struggles on the other end.

A three-pointer by Emma Morts (Jr., Milford, Ill., Business Management) put WPU ahead early at 3-2, but it was one of the few leads the Statesmen would hold on the afternoon.

C-SC answered with nine in a row and eventually led 15-7 after 10 minutes on the hardwood. Trailing by as many as 12 at 19-7, WPU got on track, and helped by three-pointers from Amanee Clark (So., Waterloo, Iowa, Human Services), Zantasia White (Jr., Lubbock, Texas, Secondary Education), and Ally Stewart (Jr., Victoria, Australia, Physical Education), the visiting crew once again got on top 22-21.

Culver-Stockton would have the final word on the matter, however, and entered halftime up 23-22.

The third quarter was a forgettable one as WPU was outscored 13-4 and the Statesmen were unable to threaten down the stretch.

Outrebounded 46-29, William Penn stayed relatively close by forcing 21 C-SC turnovers (19 for WPU).

White topped the navy and gold with 11 points, while Stewart was next with nine. Morgan Terry (Jr., Cornersville, Tenn., Biology) added eight points along with a squad-high five assists.

Morts and Clark were good for five points each as well. White also headlined the defense with three steals.

“We improved throughout the year as a unit,” Head Coach Jenna Santi said. “Our staff is excited about the momentum we ended with, but especially excited about the recruits we are bringing in. Our first year is under our belt, and now we keep building a winning culture.”