Wheeling, W. Va. - As they enter the final week of the regular season, the battle is on to claim one of the top six spots in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) Tournament field and earn the first round bye. The Wheeling University Women's Basketball team (15-11, 11-7) currently holds a one-game lead on one of those top six spots, and look to maintain their strong standing in their home schedule finale Wednesday against Point Park. A win on Wednesday would help further their chances of getting a bye as they look to continue their strong play at home this season.
Last time out, the Cardinals hit the road to Glenville, West Virginia to battle Glenville State on Saturday. The Cardinals would get out to a strong start, scoring 19 first quarter points and shooting 57.14% from the floor to build a 19-13 lead after one. However, the Pioneers wouldn't be held down for long, bouncing back with 16 points of their own in the second quarter. However, the Cardinals would maintain their lead into the break, leading 32-29, but a strong third quarter from Glenville State flipped things to a 47-43 Pioneer advantage. The Cardinals would go back to their strong shooting, putting up their best marks of the game, shooting 66.67% (8-12) from the floor and 66.67% (2-3) from three-point range. They would put up a season-high 32 points in the quarter and went on to win by the final score of 75-67, moving to 11-7 on the season in conference play.
Continuing what was a strong week overall for the Cardinals was junior Kenzie Dalton who tied her career-high with 21 points in the effort. It was her second 21-point effort of the week, after setting her initial career-high on Wednesday against Concord, and she continued her efficiency, shooting 6-10 (60%) from the floor. While her offensive impact was strong, it was her work on defense that also led the way, as she paced the Cardinals with both eight rebounds and six steals on the day. The six steals tied her career-high, which she has set three times this season, and rounded out a strong week for the junior. She flirted with a quadruple-double over the two games, finishing the week with 42 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, and eight steals as she continues to play her best basketball down the stretch.
Leading the Cardinal's offensive effort was freshman Kristel Rattasepp, who set a new career-high with 22 points in the effort. It was the second time this season that the freshman has hit the 20-point mark, and had an efficient day for the Cardinals, shooting 53.3% from the floor. It was her work from three-point range that helped her stand out, as she went a career-best 4-7 from the floor. The other double figure scorer for the Cardinals was Graci Fairman, who put up 10 points off the bench for the Cardinals. It was a confidence boost for the junior, who had been held to single digits since putting up 13 against Davis & Elkins back on December 4th, 2024. Fairman was efficient from the floor, making two of her three shots and added a perfect 6-6 mark from the free throw line to round out the day.
As they enter the final two games of the regular season, there are seven teams vying for one of the top six spots in the field to earn the first-round bye. Fairmont State and West Virginia Wesleyan have each already secured that bye, with Frostburg State, Wheeling, Glenville State, Charleston, and Concord fighting for the final four spots. The Cardinals currently sit in a tie for third with Frostburg State at 11-7, with both teams holding a one-game advantage over Glenville State, Charleston, and Concord. Wheeling would be able to officially clinch the first round bye with a win on Wednesday night, along with a loss by either Glenville State, Charleston, or Concord. Head Coach Anna Kowalska continues to take it one game at a time and the Cardinals look to secure that crucial bye.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Pioneers are meeting for the second time in program history, with Wheeling winning the first match-up earlier this season. Wheeling will welcome the Pioneers into the Alma Grace McDonough Center for the first time in school history and are looking to build on the first meeting between the two teams. Wheeling would score 72 points in the first matchup, and look to hit at least that mark as they head into game two.
The first meeting between the two teams came back on November 26th, 2024 in a game the Cardinals would win 72-63. Wheeling was led in the effort by Bryana Henderson, who put up 15 points while going 5-12 from the floor. Kristel Rattasepp (14) and Kenzie Dalton (13) would each hit double figures in the effort, while Kaylee Marvin led the defense with 13 rebounds on the day.
The Details
Tip-off for Wednesday night's game is scheduled for 5:30 PM inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
