WPU Upended by Pirates

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s basketball team failed to slow down Park in a 78-61 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss Saturday.

William Penn (7-16, 4-11 Heart) was outshot 58.0%-31.0%, but performed well at the free-throw line at 79.2% (19-for-24). The hosts also committed seven fewer turnovers (16 for WPU, 23 for PU), but was outrebounded 38-22 by the Pirates (8-13, 3-11 Heart).

The navy and gold were slow out of the gate, trailing 11-1 midway through the first quarter. William Penn battled back, though, and pulled to within four (21-17) after 10 minutes on the floor, eventually closed the gap to one at 24-23 with 7:27 left in the first half.

Unfortunately, the home squad went cold the rest of the second stanza and entered the locker room down 38-25.

The final 20 minutes of play also did not go William Penn’s way as the Pirates claimed the victory.

Reagan Pavesi (Jr., Austin, Texas, Wellness and Recreation) was strong off the bench, scoring a team-best 16 points along with five steals and three assists.

The trio of Laney Parker (Jr., Springfield, Ill., Business Management), Aliya Wagamon (Fr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Psychology), and Meghanne Freehill (Jr., Lewiston, Ill., Sports Management) narrowly missed double digits with nine points each. Freehill matched Pavesi with three helpers.

Dekota Smith (Jr., Toledo, Ohio, Computer Science) finished with seven points, while also pulling down a squad-high seven rebounds. Breacia Carter (Jr., South Beloit, Ill., General Accounting), with six points, and Kayla Peoples (Sr., Waco, Texas, Nursing), with five, were offensive contributors as well.

“We came out flat which led to easy opportunities for Park,” Head Coach Sheawn Bedford said. “Their pressure defense unfortunately bothered us at times. Our effort for the most part was good, but we made too many mistakes on both ends of the floor to win the game.”

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa next Wednesday to host Grand View in Heart action at 5:30 p.m.