This is certainly not how the Lancaster Bible College women's basketball team envisioned ending their season. After playing well in their final two regular season games, the Chargers believed they had a chance to upset the NCCAA East Region's top seed, Valley Forge Christian College.
The Patriots had other ideas.
Jumping out to a 21-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game, VFCC cruised to a 65-46 NCCAA East Region Semi-Final win, ending LBC's season.
Lacy McClaine had 11 points in 16 minutes to lead LBC (5-19). Freshman
Lauren Heliger concluded her first season in Cardinal and White with seven points, six rebounds and two assists.
"The game was determined in the first ten minutes," Chargers' Head Coach Bob Shannon said. "You cannot go down 21-0 to the number one team in the region and expect to win."
Despite the loss, Shannon was proud of the way the team fought the entire 40 minutes.
"We fought hard and kept playing the entire time," Shannon said. "It is a disappointing way to end the season. We thought we had a good chance to win today."
Senior
Kelly Long, playing in her final game, had eight points and four rebounds.
"Kelly had an excellent final game," Shannon said. "She is a tremendous young lady and has given everything to this program over the past four seasons."
The Chargers' first points came via the free throw line, when
Kelsee McLaughlin hit both her free throws with 10:10 remaining in the first half. Long hit the team's first basket two minutes later with 8:13 remaining.
"We could not put the ball in the basket," Shannon said. "Not being able to score has haunted us all season long."
Kaitlyn Antolic led the Patriots with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Amanda Reich led all scorers with 17 points. VFCC will play Philadelphia Biblical University on Monday night at 7:00 p.m.
LBC's season is over, and despite the 5-19 record, Shannon was happy with the progress of the team.
"I thought we made a tremendous of progress as a program this season," Shannon said. "We are looking forward to next season already."
Notes:
-VFCC held a 44-42 advantage on the boards.
-Senior
Meredith Wrightson concluded her career with 663 points and 627 rebounds.
-Long ended her career with 529 points and 439 rebounds.
-LBC will return its top-four scorers from this year's team (Heliger, McClaine,
Nicole Karschner and
Emily Lloyd.)