Lady Statesmen Come Up Short in 73-65 Setback to Vikings

William Penn Women's Athletics

Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team played well, just not well enough to pull the upset, falling 73-65 to #15 Grand View in Midwest Collegiate Conference action Wednesday.

The Lady Statesmen (4-13, 2-4 MCC) never held a lead against the Vikings (13-5, 5-1 MCC), but also weathered every storm and were within striking distance in the waning minutes.

Despite hitting only 27.3% of its first-half attempts, William Penn trailed just 28-21 at the break.

The home team pulled to within five on three occasions early in the second stanza, but could never bolster enough of a run to truly challenge Grand View. The road team eventually won the shooting battle 46.2%-40.0%.

William Penn actually made two more field goals than its foe (26-24), but permitted the Vikings to shoot 26 free throws. The visitors took advantage by making 23 tries (WPU was 10-of-13 at the line).

Orielle Thomas (So., Waynesville, Mo., Waynesville HS) returned from a two-game illness to lead the navy and gold with 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting (4-of-5 FT), but the bigger story was that of Taylor Reed (Jr., Kalamazoo, Mich., Kalamazoo Valley CC), who debuted with a double-double of 16 points (8-of-12 FG) and 12 rebounds. She also stole three passes.

Susan Smith (Jr., Eugene, Ore., Lane CC) joined the double-digit club with 12 points and a season-high nine assists, while Katie Golomski (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Pius Xi HS) added nine points.

The Lady Statesmen owned a 37-33 rebounding margin, but committed two more turnovers (14-12) than Grand View.

Next: The Lady Statesmen host Clarke Saturday in MCC action at 1 p.m.