The West Chester Lady Rams clinched a PSAC East playoff berth Wednesday, but failed to finish the week in a positive fashion. In Wednesday’s game at Cheyney, the Lady Rams came in looking for the season sweep and continued dominance of its cross county rival. The Lady Wolves tried for their first conference win of this season.
In the first half, West Chester dominated, outshooting Cheyney, but only held a lead of six going into halftime thanks to 13 of 22 offensive rebounds by the Lady Wolves. Cheyney came out spirited in the second half chopping the lead. Cheyney eventually tied the game with 11 minutes remaining at 43-43.
West Chester then transformed into the second half team they have played like all year. West Chester exploded on a 13-2 run and eventually finished with 40 points in the second half.
Dominique Lewis contributed for a career-high 29 points and 16 rebounds in another dominating performance. Natalie Winters and Katie Kline scored 11 points and Catherine Andrews had seven assists.
After taking the lead, West Chester held a double digit lead for the remaineder of the game and won its eighth straight game 69-59.
With the victory, West Chester won its 33rd consecutive game over its cross county rival and more importantly clinched a playoff spot which all but guarantees itself a home playoff game.
Riding the high of Wednesday’s playoff clinching victory, West Chester travelled to Mansfield to fight for their ninth consecutive win against the Lady Mountaineers. Mansfield honored Senior Jessica Uhrich before the game.
The game started tight and accumulated seven lead changes before the Lady Mounties held a 2 point lead before the half.
Mansfield came out shooting the ball hot in the second half. Mansfield began the second half on a tear compiling a 9-0 run and finished shooting 55 percent in the second half.
Mansfield never looked back answering for every point West Chester could muster and finished 84-74 snapping the Lady Rams eight game winning streak.
Katie Kline finished with 27 points and nine rebounds leading the Rams. Three other players finished in double figures including Senior Dominique Lewis who was injured in the closing minutes of Saturday’s game. Status is unknown as to how serious the injury may be.
Coming Up: West Chester plays its final home game Wednesday night at 6 p.m. against Bloomsburg. With a win, West Chester can clinch a home playoff game.