BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Western Washington University women’s basketball team couldn’t hold on to a slim halftime lead and fell 72-65 to Glenville St. in the NCAA Division II title game Friday at Bill Harris Arena.
It’s the Pioneers first Division II title in women’s basketball.
Re’Shawna Stone scored 25 points and added five steals and Zakiyah Winfield scored 23 points and had seven rebounds for third-seeded Glenville St. (36-1).
The Pioneers forced WWU into 25 turnovers with a swarming full-court press and outscored the Vikings 41-26 in the second half after a back-and-forth first two quarters.
WWU shot 53.3% from the field while Glenville St. shot just 41.0% and outrebounded the Pioneers 45 to 39, but the Pioneers outshot the Vikings 83 to 60 behind extra possessions created by turnovers and a 16 to 9 edge on the offensive glass.
“This was the hardest preseason we ever had,” said Stone. “We just trusted in each other. Everyone had something to bring to the table.”
Stone went 11 of 16 from the field and Winfield finished 9 of 19.
Brooke Walling led all scorers with a career-high 27 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in a dominant effort for the fifth-seeded Vikings (25-7). She added four assists.
Emma Duff chipped 17 points and nine rebounds and Katrina Gimmaka had 12 points on 6 of 8 shooting.
WWU led 46-44 at halftime.
Arlington High School graduate Gracie Castaneda had three points for WWU. Marysville Getchell grad Maddy Grandbois and Monroe grad Monique Fierke both played but didn’t score for the Vikings, who were also in search of their first Division II national title.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.