FULTON, Mo. – The William Woods University women's basketball team picked up its 10
th American Midwest Conference (AMC) win on the season and equalized the season series against Missouri Baptist University, with a 66-57 victory Thursday night.
The Owls (15-6:10-5 AMC), knew they wanted a different ending this time around and their play did just that, as WWU closed the night shooting 47.3 percent from the floor, 23.1 percent from the three-point line and went 11-of-19 from the free throw line.
Meanwhile, Missouri Baptist, who shot lights out the first meeting, ended the night hitting just 37.5 percent from the field and couldn't find the rhythm from beyond the arc, going 0-of-10.
In the first quarter, after a back and forth start, a
Kennedy Volkart two point basket inside the paint, gave the Owls a 8-4 lead over the Spartans. With a rocky and slow start offensive from both teams, WWU was able to hold onto a five-point lead (13-8) at the conclusion of the first frame.
The Spartans, however, came out in the second quarter and erased the Owls five point advantage and would take a 16-15 lead, after Morgan Settle went 2-for-2 from the free throw line. WWU responded quickly, putting together a 12-2 run of their own and at the 2:55 mark, Volkart's two pointer gave the Owls the 27-18 lead.
Shortly after,
Marissa Webb would connect with Volkart on the block and add another two points for WWU, giving the Owls the double digit lead (31-21) heading into the locker room.
At the break, William Woods connected on 50.0 percent of their shots, while MBU was held to just 6-of-29 from the field.
Coming out of half time, WWU maintained its steady lead for most of the third quarter, although, MBU wasn't going away without a fight, as the Spartans started to chip away at the Owls lead. At the 6:26 mark, MBU Kennedy Smith ignited a 8-0 run for the Spartans, getting within two of the Owls at 37-35, then next trip down
Kelsey Scherder nailed a three pointer at the top of the key, putting WWU back up by five at 40-35.
With 2:20 left in the third quarter, MBU cut the Owls lead down to just one (42-41), with a two pointer from leading scorer Jerica Hawkins but that didn't phase the Owls, as WWU turned around and scored the last six points of the third quarter, capped off with a three pointe right at the buzzer from
Kendra Vernatti, making the score 50-43 in the Owls favor.
In the final frame, WWU gained some breathing room, as Volkart remained dominate in the paint, scoring another basket and putting the Owls up 60-51 with just 2:35 left to play.
MBU fought till the end, getting within three of the Owls in the final minute but WWU were solid from the free throw line down the stretch, just like they have all season and went on to secure the 66-57 victory over MBU.
Volkart was on fire from tip-off, posting a team-high 16 points, on 7-of-13 shooting and lead the team with eight rebounds on the night.
April Gebke also had a strong outing, collecting 11 points with six rebounds, while
Bailey Rollins,
Nia Lateju and Vernatti each chipped in seven points apiece.
The Owls have a quick turn around and return to action this Saturday at 2:00 p.m., against Harris-Stowe State University. WWU will also be honoring its 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees at half time.
Fans check back on wwuowls.com for more information about this year's Hall of Fame Inductees and a full recap and score of Saturday's match-up.
