WPU Ends Year on High Note with Win Over Cardinal Stritch

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Elgin, Ill.–The #20 ranked WPU women’s basketball team played their second game in as many days as they concluded their trip to the Judson Christmas Classic taking on Cardinal Stritch.

William Penn (12-1, 7-1 Heart) controlled most of the contest after a back and forth first quarter over the Wolves of Cardinal Stritch (8-7) leading by as many as 16 points. The Statesmen headed into the half leading 37-24 but the Wolves would make their move in the second half, garnering the lead with seven minutes left 50-49. WPU regrouped and was able to take back the lead the following play and went on to win the contest 60-56.

The navy and gold outshot Cardinal Stritch by a slight margin 36%-33% but struggled from three-point range converting on just three of 24 chances. The Statesmen won a close battle on the boards edging the visitors 42-41.

Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) recorded her third straight and sixth overall double-double logging 26 points and 13 rebounds to lead the way for WPU. Brenda Pennington (Jr., Hammond, Ind.) had a solid over outing posting 10 points, five assists, and a team-high five steals.

Next Up: The Statesmen will return to action after the new year facing off against Graceland University in Oskaloosa on Jan. 5 starting at 2 p.m.