William Penn Denies St. Ambrose Rally in 60-58 Win
William Penn Women's Athletics
Davenport–Katie Golomski (Fr., Milwaukee, St. Pius Xi HS) scored and Orielle Thomas (So., Waynesville, Mo., Waynesville HS) rebounded, but it was Sarah Martin (Jr., Anthem, Ariz., Boulder Creek HS) who was the eventual hero as the Lady Statesmen made program history with a 60-58 victory over St. Ambrose in Midwest Collegiate Conference action Thursday.
William Penn (8-14, 6-5 MCC) claimed its season-high fourth win in a row in beating the perennially-strong Queen Bees multiple times in a single year (79-74 in December) for the first time since beginning the sport in the fall of 1973.
St. Ambrose (9-11, 5-6 MCC) led for just 60 seconds in a cold-shooting matchup (WPU outshot SAU 32.8%-28.8%).
The navy and gold led 30-22 at halftime and then expanded that advantage to 12 twice, including a 44-32 margin at the 13:23 mark.
Unfortunately, William Penn could not put the Queen Bees away so easily. St. Ambrose chipped away, finally evening the score at 58-58 with 43 seconds left on a three-pointer by Michelle Charvat.
The Lady Statesmen found their way to the top in the end, however, as Martin knocked down a long jumper with 12 seconds left on the clock. The assist went to Susan Smith (Jr., Eugene, Ore., Lane CC), one of her game-high five (tied) on the night. St. Ambrose’s Katie Jensen missed a game-tying shot from the right wing as time expired.
Golomski guided all participants with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting (6-of-10 3-PT), while Thomas also reached double figures with 13 points. Thomas was more of a factor on the glass, though, pulling down a career-high 19 rebounds (seven offensive). It is her 13th double-double of the season.
Thomas’ rebounding tally is the fourth-highest in school history and the most in a single game since Latasha Pendleton had 20 boards against Missouri Baptist on November 17, 2006.
Jessi Kreuser (Fr., Mendota Heights, Minn., Henry Sibley HS) added nine points, while Vanessa Kieres (Fr., Chicago, Ill., Regina Dominican HS) poured in eight. Martin managed six off the bench.
William Penn overcame just 13 trips to the charity stripe (nine makes), while St. Ambrose had a much busier night at the line (20-of-26).
Next: The Lady Statesmen host Mount Mercy Saturday in MCC action at 1 p.m.
