With wins like the one tonight, the Shippensburg University women’s basketball team is making a strong statement that it is a legitimate contender in the PSAC conference.
Dana Wert scored 17 and Shawna Wert added another 11, plus four assists as the Raiders took down Millersville University from its lofty first place position in a convincing 70-58 victory at Heiges Field House on Wednesday night.
The Werts played arguably their best game of the year as they kept PSAC-steal leader Mashira Newman at bay, and paced a Raider squad in a must-win game. With the victory, the Raiders moved into a tie for second place atop the PSAC East.
“I think Dana and Shawna will get the MVP award today for the points and the ability to get you the ball,” SU head coach Kristy Trn said. “Against Millersville, to only have 11 turnovers, that was big for us.”
Winning the game seemed unclear at the beginning.
Falling into an early 14–5 deficit the Raiders used a 14–2 run behind points from Alex Gildea, Sarah Strybuc, and two buckets from Caitlin Bamberger to climb into the driver’s seat. SU used its run to carry a 33–28 lead into the second half.
The floodgates opened in the second half. Shawna Wert capped off a 12–2 run with a 3-pointer to put the Raiders ahead 42–32 with 14:21 remaining in the game. The Raiders used a 50 percent shooting effort from the field and a 15–22 free-throw effort to put the game away and seal the victory.
Caitlyn Deeter earned another start in tonight’s win. The PSAC East Freshman Player of the Week accounted for four points and one assist, but her court vision and patient play allowed for the big games from the Werts.
“I know sometimes opportunities come and I’m making the most of it,” Deeter said.
Her point play has really grown since Christmas break. Even though Trn said she has been playing out of position because of her ability to shoot, Deeter is still learning from her older teammates.
“Yes, yes. I definitely look up to them because they have more experience,“ Deeter said.
SU got to the charity stripe 43 times in the contest while MU only got there 24 times.
Aurielle Mosley finished the game with 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Marauders.
The Raiders, now tied for second place in the PSAC East travel to Cheyney University on Saturday for a 1 p.m. matchup. The Wolves are rock bottom in the PSAC but still pose a considerable threat to SU’s win streak.
“Cheyney is going to try and get up and get in your face,” Trn said. “This is going to be a good confidence booster for us.”
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