Wheeling, W.Va- TheWheeling University women's basketball (0-5,0-2) has another opportunity to get on the right track. The Cardinals will travel to Davis & Elkins college (1-4,0-2) for a battle, Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM in Elkins, West Virginia.
The last time the Cardinals were on the hardwood, they lost in a close contest, 94-98 to Alderson Broaddus University. Though the Cardinals suffered a loss, it was their highest point total of the season. Lauren Calhoun led the Cardinals with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Her efforts were enough to land her second twenty plus performance this year.
In the first quarter, Wheeling started hot, scoring 24 points, and going 6-13 from the field. The Cardinals also did well at the free throw line, shooting 11 of 14. Holding Alderson Broaddus to just 19 points in the first quarter, Wheeling used the momentum to push through the second quarter. At the end of 2, the score was 43-37 Wheeling.
The third quarter saw Alderson Broaddus catch offensive fire power. Scoring 28 points in the third, the Battlers were able to get a lead after shooting 13 of 21. At the end of three, the Battlers were winning 65-56. Heading into the fourth, the Cardinals were poised to make a comeback and that is just what they did. Emily Holzopfel scored eight points to spark a 20-5 run, which would be enough to take their first lead since the early third quarter. After trading the lead for the next few minutes, Wheeling's Shanley Woods tied the game with a three-point shot with just 14 seconds remaining. Now 82-82, Wheeling sent Alderson Broaddus' Hannah Taylor to the free throw line. Converting both, the score was 84-82 Battlers, but Calhoun was able to tie the game as time expired.
The overtime period provided more competitive play. After trading the lead several times, Alderson Broaddus' Taylor Cullen hit a three-pointer with only a minute left, putting the Battlers up one, 95-94. Being forced to send the Battlers to the line after that shot, Wheeling was unable to score the rest of the overtime period. When time expired, the final score was 98-94. Though a loss, it showed the fight and determination of the Wheeling Cardinals. They look to continue the high offensive play in their next bout against Mountain East Conference affiliate, Davis & Elkins.
The Match-up
Overall, Wheeling has had much success against Davis & Elkins college. In 19 matchups, the Cardinals have been able to win 14 times. Battling against each other since 2003, Wheeling has gone 9-3 at home and 4-2 on the road.
In February of this year, Davis Elkins got the best of Wheeling, winning 66-56. Cardinals Lilly Ritz and Emily Holzopfel both had excellent days, scoring 13 points each. Wheeling hopes to get revenge and get back to their winning ways against the Senators.
The Details
Tip-off for Wednesday evening's game is scheduled for 5:30 PM at Davis & Elkins college. You can watch the game by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
