SBU Loses in First Round
Northwest Missouri State 64, Southwest Baptist 57

KANSAS CITY - The Southwest Baptist Lady Bearcats (16-12) entered the 2003 Sonic/MIAA Championships in Municipal Auditorium with high expectations. However, their hopes were dashed Thursday with a narrow 64-57 loss to Northwest Missouri State.

The two teams battled back and forth for most of the game, exchanging runs. However, NWMSU outscored the Lady ‘Cats 31-25 in the second period after being tied at 32 at halftime.

“It was just a struggle,” said SBU Head Coach Jim Middleton. “I never felt like we could establish a rythm in the game. I was just disappointed because I didn’t think our defense was bad, it is just that some things didn’t materialize.”

SBU used a 7-0 run to end the first half to tie the game. MIAA Freshman of the Year had the team’s last nine points in the first period.

The Lady ‘Cats scored the first four points of the second half, but Northwest came roaring back on a 8-0 run to take a 43-36 lead. SBU used an 8-2 run to go ahead 44-43. However, the green-clad Bearcats outscored SBU 19-13 in the final 8:29 of the game to take the victory.

SBU was led by Wheeler with 19 points and eight rebounds. She was the only Lady ‘Cat in double figures and had 11 at the break. Gwyn Smith was second on the team with nine points.

NWMSU outrebounded the Lady ‘Cats 42-29 in the game and was led by Sarah vollertsen with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Jenna Wolf and Brooke Hogue finished with 10 points apiece.

“In the first half, we didn’t rebound well and that is what kept them in the game,” Middleton said. “That has been the achilles heel most of the season.”

The game ends the career of lone senior Allison Ramirez, and Middleton is excited about what is to come.
“We have a solid nucleus returning next year,” Middleton said. “I feel good about them and I like our chances in the future.

Boxscore - NWMSU 64, SBU 57