ERIE, PA (March 6, 2010) - Rachel Wisemiller and Melissa McQuade scored 16 points each, but it wasn't enough against No. 1 ranked Gannon Universiy, as teh Kutztown University women's basketball dropped an 81-65 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) semifinal contest at the Hammermill Center on Friday night. Boxscore
The Golden Bears (19-10 overall) battled throughout the entire contest, giving everything they had and never quitting against a 32-0 Golden Knight squad.
Playing in her final game as a Golden Bear, Wisemiller knocked down a 3-pointer at the 9 minute, 7-second mark of the first half to become the 13th women's basketball player in KU history to score 1,000 career points. Her offense gave the Golden Bears a surge.
“I was just pushing my shot, thinking about it too much,” said Wisemiller of her feat. “After the basket I wasn't thinking about it anymore and was able to calm myself down.”
Senior guard Vivian Melvin capped off a memorable career with an 11-point effort, including seven in the first half. She led the Golden Bears in assists this season with 116, and had a team-high five in her finale.
Following Wisemiller's milestone basket, Chauntelle Schroeder grabbed a rebound and Meredith Starr knocked down a long distance 3-pointer. Wisemiller capped off an 8-0 run with a mid-range jumper and after a Golden Knight layup, McQuade drained a 3 from the corner to cut Gannon's lead to 30-23.
Brittany LeVan (Centre Hall, PA/Penns Valley) made two clutch shots down the stretch in the first half, including a trey from in front of the Gannon bench to cut the deficit to five points.
In the second half, Wisemiller pulled KU within eight points at 68-60 with just over six minutes remaining in the game. The Golden Bears remained at that deficit until Gannon pulled away with 4:11 left to play.
“It was a good accomplishment to stick with a team like that,” said Wisemiller. “I have never been to the semifinals. We had a great four years while I was here and I'm glad we made it this far.”
After struggling in the early going, McQuade came to life and recorded 13 points in the second half.
Starr, giving everything she had, came back from an early injury to finish with nine points and four assists. All of her points came on baskets from beyond the arc.
Schroeder, although undersized against her opposition, played her heart out and did not back down in her last game as a Golden Bear. She grabbed three rebound and had two blocks, however she covered the court and gave the intangibles that did not show up on the stat sheet.
The Golden Knights got 27 points from Carrie Nolan and Brittany Tabron recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 boards. Tabron was a very efficient 8-for-11 from the floor and 4-for-6 from the free throw line. Gannon will square off against California (PA), who defeated West Chester, in the semifinals.
The Golden Bears reached the PSAC semifinals for the first time since 2006 and came up one victory shy of reaching 20 wins in consecutive seasons.
