Seniors say good-bye as the 2006-07 season comes to an end!

By Anna Dannhausen and Stephanie Herrera

On Tuesday, March 27 the Women’s Basketball Team saw another season come to a close in the first round of the conference tournament (6-25), where they faced number two seed Olivet Nazarene (20-12). The Lady Hawks were plagued with a small roster this season; the six players fought hard in every game, but fell victim to fatigue in the final minutes of a number of games.

The team was highlighted by the play of the two seniors. Polina Ivanova received First Team All-Conference honors at the conclusion of the season. Ivanova averaged 14.6 points per game (sixth in the conference), 8.4 rebounds per game (first in the conference), and an amazing 5.03 steals per game (first in the conference). Stephanie Herrera averaged 10.5 points per game and 3 assists per game, and was known off the stat sheet for her tough defense.

In a closing statement for the seniors last game, Coach Antwon Johnson said, “We as a staff appreciate your leadership and your continuous effort on and off the court. Continue to strive for the best results in everything that you do and last but not least remember that I (Coach Johnson) will always be here for you.Both seniors averaged over 35 minutes per game and will be greatly missed next season.

With such a small roster, every player was critical to the team. Junior Erin Pedersen averaged 12.3 points per game, junior Allisyn Williams averaged 7.1 points per game, and sophomore Jackie Puschkar averaged 11.2 points per game.

With high intentions for next year, new seniors Allysyn Williams and Erin Pedersen are expected to lead the team from the foundation that has been created these past two seasons. “My expectations for next season are no different than the past two seasons. We must get better individually and collectively, we also must understand what it takes to be a winner,” Coach Johnson states. A repeated phrase in his pre-game and half time pep talks, “Winners find ways to win! Losers find ways to Lose!”