Rally Falls Short in Loss to Mount Mercy
William Penn Women’s Athletics
Clinton–The William Penn women’s basketball team worked hard to get back into the game, but did not have enough in the tank to finish off the rally in a 69-63 non-conference loss to Mount Mercy as part of the Ashford Classic Saturday.
Both sides struggled from the field with the Statesmen (3-4) being outshot 33.8%-32.9%. They were also outrebounded 41-37, but stayed close by committing just 12 turnovers compared to 20 by the Mustangs (3-4).
WPU scored the game’s first points and led 5-2 just 1:30 into the competition. Unfortunately, MMU went on a 13-2 run and never trailed again. The Mustangs were ahead 23-12 after the first quarter, but the navy and gold got back into it courtesy of 12 unanswered points, eventually facing a 34-28 halftime deficit.
The third quarter went slightly in favor of MMU as it led 48-39 entering the final period. The Mustangs extended that advantage to 16 at 61-45 with 5:17 remaining in regulation, but William Penn had one final push. Over the next 2:27, the Statesmen lit up the scoreboard with a 16-1 run to trail 62-61 with 2:50 left.
Mount Mercy found its footing, however, with five straight points and held on for the victory. WPU fought valiantly, but could not overcome numerous obstacles, including a 21-11 advantage for MMU in made free throws.
Five players reached double figures, led by Kadejah Young (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Physical Education) with 16 points (three three-pointers). Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) managed 12 points and Genzavia Smith (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis. Undecided) contributed 11 points.
Alyssa Phillips (Jr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) and Destiny Spinner (Sr., Saginaw, Mich., Biology) joined the crew with 10 points, while Phillips was also big on the glass (14 rebounds) and on defense (four blocks). Spinner had a team-high four steals as well.
Jenna Santi (Fr., Oak Creek, Wis., Elementary Education) dished out four assists as well.
“This was another good lesson for our team,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “We have to learn not to get down early, that possession is the key, and that we must capitalize on our opponents’ mistakes. We unfortunately did not do that tonight. We made a great run near the end, but came up short. This will be a fun team to watch by January when we get things figured out a bit more.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Des Moines Wednesday to face Grand View in Heart of America Athletic Conference action at 5:30 p.m.
