The West Chester Lady Rams had their bubble burst as the Millersville Lady Marauders invaded Hollinger Field House Tuesday night and gashed any post-season hopes for the home team.”Poise, composure, maturity. [The team] didn’t have any of those things today,” coach Deirdre Kane said after the 57-54 loss to Millersville.
Opening the game, West Chester played their worst half of basketball this season. They turned the ball over, were out rebounded and only managed to score 22 points. Millersville took a ten point led into the half.
West Chester came out scrapping the second half more comprised, focused and relaxed, however Millersville countered. Despite solid defense from West Chester, Millersville opened the lead up to as many as 16 points in the second half.
West Chester used the remaining time to inch closer and closer within the final minutes. With just under a minute remaining West Chester cut the lead to just hree points.
However with the second to last possession, West Chester failed to get a good three-point attempt. After Millersville’s Ashley Romanoski missed two free throws, West Chester could not make the final shot within five feet of the basket.
“[Our Girls] didn’t quit,” Kane added. “But the better team definitely won.” Dominique Lewis had another dominating performance amassing 16 points and 12 rebounds, but was limited to 25 minutes due to foul trouble. This allowed Millersville to get inside positioning early.
Jamika Rehm came off the bench for Millersville and nearly single-handedly shut down West Chester on both sides of the court. Rehm led the way with 16 points and six offensive rebounds.
“Credit Millersville’s defense; they were in your shorts they were so aggressive.” Kane said.
Next year, West Chester will have the same team intact for a similar run, minus Dominique Lewis who played her last game as a senior.
“I’ve met a lot of good people. I’ve learned a lot over the years.” Lewis said. Although this was her last game, Dominique plans on returning and helping her team next year.
The reigns of the team now shift to junior Katie Kline who led the team in scoring this year. Along with two other seniors and eight freshmen returning, the Lady Rams will be vying to be the team to beat in the PSAC.
“I think we’re going to have big things for next year,” Kline said. “I think we’re going to do very well.” If they come together as a team early next season and avoid the rocky start of this year’s squad, then the sky is the limit for the Lady Rams in ’08.