Another Big Game for West Nullified in Loss to Park

Oskaloosa–Carley West (Jr., Saint Paul, Minn., Human Services) was virtually unstoppable Saturday, but the William Penn women’s basketball team could not ride her coattails to victory as it fell 73-49 to Park in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

West scored 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting, but WPU (2-15, 1-12 Heart) failed to make up for being outshot 41.3%-32.1%. The home team also lost the rebounding battle 44-30 and committed 17 turnovers (12 for PU).

The Pirates (11-8, 8-7 Heart) opened the afternoon by tallying the first 12 points and they never looked back. WPU got within five on a few occasions during the first half, but eventually trailed 35-24 at intermission.

After three inefficient quarters, the Statesmen were much more productive in the fourth period with 19 points (14 by West), but it was too little and too late.

The squad’s mistakes resulted in a 21-11 deficit in points off turnovers, while the hosts were also outscored 11-6 in second-chance points.

Both sides were successful at the free-throw line, including the navy and gold finishing at 11-for-14; West was 7-for-8 at the charity stripe herself.

The junior’s 20-plus point effort is her third in the last four outings and her fifth of the campaign.

Mariah Baltierra (Sr., Norcross, Ga., Sports Management) was next in the scoring column with eight points, while Jaida Smith (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., Business Management) contributed five points in a non-starting role.

“I thought we battled hard in the first half and made some plays after a slow start,” Interim Head Coach Sheawn Bedford said. “We continued to fight in the second half, but did not do enough offensively, while Park also hurt us on the glass. I am proud of our effort, though, and am looking forward to our next opponent.”

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa Monday to host Baker in Heart play at 1 p.m.