William Penn’s women’s basketball team had a tough test Wednesday night (11/6). The 25th ranked Statesmen hosted ninth-ranked Columbia College at Penn Gymnasium. The game was tied 49 all after three quarters, but Columbia scored the first 13 points of the fourth quarter and eventually walked away with a 71-68 victory. Statesmen Coach Steve Williamson was happy with his team’s effort.
“The fourth quarter, the start of the fourth quarter killed us. We got down, didn’t make plays to start the fourth and that hurt us a little bit. But proud of the effort of our kids to battle back. They could have easily folded, but they came back late in the game and made plays. (Columbia is) one of the best teams in the NAIA for a reason and we showed that we could play with them.”
Senior guard Jordan Alford led Columbia with 22 points. Junior Brittany West had 24 for William Penn—all on three point baskets. The Statesmen were also without starter Haley Mullinnix and reserve Bailey Reardon due to illness. The Statesmen are off until November 16, when they open Heart of America Athletic Conference play against Benedictine.
