Statesmen Fall in Final Home Contest of the Season

Oskaloosa – The Statesmen women’s basketball team fell it its final home contest of the season against conference foe MidAmerica Nazarene.

Both teams struggled shooting on Senior Day as William Penn (7-19, 4-14) was outshot 32.6%-35.2% by the Pioneers (21-3, 17-1) but performed well at the free-throw line, Making 66.7% (10-for-15), while the Pioneers only completed 46.7% (7-for-15). The Statesmen could not overcome being outrebounded 44-to-25 in the loss.

The navy and gold started the scoring when Kayla Carman (Sr., Gallitin, Tenn., Nursing) hit a layup on the first shot of the game to get William Penn on the board.

MidAmerica Nazarene did well to push out to a 15-7 lead at the end of the stanza.

Kayla Peoples (Sr., Waco, Texas, Nursing) started William Penn’s scoring in the second quarter but both teams struggled to score in the start as each team only had four points apiece in the first five minutes.

Both teams found their shooting in the last few minutes of the half as MidAmerica Nazarene lead William Penn 29-21 at halftime.

Kayla Jones (Sr., Louisville, Ky., Psychology) hit a couple free throws to start scoring in the second half before William Penn scoring was highlighted by five made free throws during its nine point quarter as it trailed the Pioneers 43-32 going into the final quarter.

The final 10 minutes of play did not go William Penn’s way as the Pioneers claimed the victory.

Jones and Smith led their squad in scoring with 12 points apiece while Peoples contributed eight. Peoples led her squad with seven rebounds and three assists as well.

“We played hard for 40 minutes today against one of the best teams in the country.” Head Coach Sheawn Bedford Jr. said. “Mid-America Nazarene has a chance to win a National title this season and we competed right there with them for most of the game. I’m proud of our effort and thankful for the seniors.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Culver-Stockton next Wednesday in Heart action at 5:30 p.m.