Lincoln Plews
Sports Staff Writer
The women’s basketball team extended their losing skid to seven games this past Saturday, falling 54-45 to conference rival Wittenberg. After beginning the season with a record of 3-2 (equaling their win total from last year), the Scots have stumbled, losing 9 of their last 12 games to fall to 6-11 on the year (1-7 in conference).
The away game against Wittenberg began with the Tigers jumping out to a 14-6 lead in the first 10 minutes. A 7-0 run by Wooster brought the Scots within one point with 6:43 to play in the first half, but Wittenberg responded with a devastating 14-0 run of their own, taking a commanding 28-13 lead into the break.
Wittenberg maintained its large lead for the beginning of the second half, but Wooster managed to pull within five points at 43-38 with eight minutes to play. On consecutive possessions, Sydney Grier ’16 drained a three, Lauren Hancher ’16 completed an and-one, and Jessica Wingen ’13 put in a quick layup to put the Scots back into the game with a quick 8-0 run.
Despite this late run, Wittenberg managed to hang onto its lead for the remainder of the game and take home the win by a score of 54-45.
First-year guard Lauren Hancher ’16 and senior center Wingen spearheaded the scoring for the Scots, putting up 13 and nine points respectively. However, both teams demonstrated balanced offensive attacks, with eight of Wooster’s nine players and nine of Wittenberg’s 10 players all putting in at least one bucket.
Wingen has played particularly well this season, and currently leads the team in points (14.4 per game), rebounds (8.7 per game) and blocks (1.7 per game).
The most telling statistic of the game was the rebounding battle. The Scots lost handily, with Wittenberg pulling down 52 boards (19 offensive) to Wooster’s 34 (11 offensive).
After six consecutive conference losses, Wooster is now tied for last place in the NCAC standings. However, the Scots have eight games left against conference opponents as they finish the year with an all-NCAC schedule, and can still make the conference playoffs in February with better play from here on out.
Wooster traveled to Delaware, Ohio to play Ohio Wesleyan University on Wednesday after press time. They will host Denison University on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.