SU enjoys successful regular season but falls in the playoffs

The Shippensburg University women’s basketball team ended its season after a loss to Bloomsburg University in the first game of the PSAC playoffs on Tuesday night but SU still enjoyed a successful run throughout the season.

SU opened its season with three straight wins against Saint Michaels College, Chowan University, and California (Pa.) University. Monae Baker led the team in scoring in the first two games and continued to lead the team in scoring 10 more times. Baker also led the team in rebounds in the second and third games of the season.

With three straight wins to start, SU won only three of its next 10 games, averaging 61.5 points per game in this stretch while giving up 62.3 points per game. Dana and Shawna Wert led the team in scoring in seven out of 10 games. During this stretch, Dana scored 116 of 311 points for the season. SU crawled to a 6-7 record in the first half of the season.

The second half of the season was a see-saw event for the Raiders as they struggled to put together a win streak. However, SU won eight of its last 13 games, outscoring opponents by 13 points per game. SU’s strong performance in the second half of the season earned the team a spot in the PSAC playoffs for the first time since 2008.

SU was not able to get best BU, losing, 69-61. Although the Raiders forced 22 turnovers and limited the Huskies hot shooting to a mere 36 percent from the field.

The loss was the final collegiate contest for seniors Baker, Lindsey Howard and Erin Varley.
Baker scored 17 points while Howard scored eight points off the bench in the second half.

Despite its loss, SU finished one game over .500 with a 14-13 record overall. SU finished fourth in the PSAC East with an 11-11 record in conference play.

Team leaders on the offensive side of the ball included Baker with 401 points and 257 rebounds, while Dana finished the season with 110 assists.  Sophomore Sarah Strybuc will become the new team leader next year with her aggressive playing and hot shooting. Strybuc led the team with 45 steals.