The Lady Rams can’t be stopped.
West Chester’s first contest of the week was scheduled to be played on Wednesday at home against Millersville University, but due to the ice storm causing power outages all over Chester County, the game was moved to Thursday evening. This was the second game between the Rams and Marauders, the first resulting in a 91-83 win at Millersville. A good Millersville team would prove to be strong competition for the surging Rams after two easy blowout wins last week against Cheyney University and Mansfield University.
Throughout the first half, the lead continued to change in a battle to be on top. Sophomore Anna Kuntz dominated the paint through the first half, recording another double double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in the first 20 minutes. Despite the great play of Kuntz, the Marauders led WCU at the half 44-38.
Millersville came out hot to start the second half, extending their lead to 18 within the first five minutes of play. Suddenly, the Rams began to climb back like they have all season. Relentless defense gave the Rams a few scores off of turnovers along with great work on the offensive boards from the whole West Chester squad. With 3:49 left, sophomore Jasmen Clark hit a layup to tie the game up at 73. WCU gained the lead but with 1:45 to play, Millersville nailed two free throws to tie the game yet again at 77. Clark was then fouled and nailed two free throws giving the Rams a two-point lead. After a defensive rebound from Clark, sophomore Dallas Ely stepped up and nailed a huge three pointer to give the Rams a five-point lead and ultimately a win at a final score of 85-82.
Four starters finished in double figures for WCU along with junior captain Serifat Junaid, who scored 14 points. Kuntz recorded her fourth consecutive double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds and sophomore captain Brittany Sicinski continued her great play with 14 points and five steals. The comeback win for West Chester was yet another momentum booster in this excellent season.
The Lady Rams were right back at it just two days later, with a showdown against Kutztown on Saturday afternoon at home. In their last meeting, WCU held onto an 82-80 win against Kutztown.
Eight different players contributed with points in the first half, with Sicinski leading the way with seven. The Rams held a 37- 32 lead as time expired in the first half.
The Rams’ second half play was a great sight to see. Clark, who had been in somewhat of a shooting funk recently, exploded with 12 huge second-half points, all coming from behind the arch. Clark shot four-for-six from three in the second half, helping the Rams pull away. At the end of regulation, West Chester’s dominance prevailed yet again in an 81-65 win.
Clark finished the game 6-11 from the field and five-for-eight from three with 17 points. She also added six assists and six steals. Kuntz recorded 13 points along with eight rebounds. Sicinski grabbed eight rebounds to compliment her 14 points and although Ely did not have her best night shooting, she certainly was not quiet, grabbing double-digit rebounds with 11. The balanced attack of the Rams lead them to their fifth straight victory, along with still sitting alone atop the PSAC east.
This upcoming week faces two more challenges for West Chester. Wednesday, the Rams will take on Lock Haven University away at 5:30. Saturday’s showdown against the tough Shippensburg Raiders will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday’s game also marks a West Chester tradition, being the Play4Kay game in support of the fight against Breast Cance. The contest between the two teams will for sure be a treat, be sure to make your way out to Hollinger Field House on Saturday afternoon.
AJ Arcaini is a second-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. He can be reached at AA788494@wcupa.edu