William Penn Upset by Clarke

Orielle Thomas drives to the basket for William Penn versus Clarke on Saturday

Oskaloosa–Despite another double-double from newcomer Taylor Reed (Jr., Kalamazoo, Mich., Kalamazoo Valley CC), the Lady Statesmen basketball team failed to keep Clarke winless in the league, falling 62-48 in Midwest Collegiate Conference action Saturday.

William Penn (4-14, 2-5 MCC) shot just 28.1% from the field and committed 20 turnovers in the setback. Clarke also had a tough afternoon of shooting (28.8%), but managed to own a 21-9 edge in free throws made.

The home squad played well early, leading by as much as six, but then succumbed to a 14-2 run and was never on top again. The Lady Statesmen trailed 28-22 at the break.

The second half was controlled mainly by the Crusaders (4-14, 1-6 MCC), who pulled ahead by the final 16-point margin late. The deficit was narrowed to just five points with 3:48 remaining, but William Penn was outscored 13-4 to close out the matchup.

Reed managed her second double-double in as many games in the navy and gold, scoring 11 points with 15 rebounds.

Orielle Thomas (So., Waynesville, Mo., Waynesville HS) also collected a double-double with a team-high 12 points and 11 rebounds. The performance is her 11th such of the season.

Katie Golomski (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Pius Xi HS) matched Reed with 11 points, hitting all three of her team’s three-pointers.

Reed also had a team-high two steals, while Susan Smith (Jr., Eugene, Ore., Lane CC) recorded three steals.

The Lady Statesmen produced a 47-43 advantage on the boards, good for a 10-7 edge in second-chance points.

Next: The Lady Statesmen travel to Des Moines Wednesday to face AIB in MCC play at 5:30 p.m.