The Edinboro Fighting Scots women’s basketball team lost against IUP on Feb. 24 in a 64-62 overtime thriller. However, all that was forgotten when the Scots were victorious on senior day on Feb. 27 against Clarion, 78-66, to clinch the final playoff spot in the PSAC. This is the team’s first playoff appearance since the 2006-07 season.
The entire game against IUP was virtually even. Not only were the teams tied after halftime and the end of regulation at 29-29 and 55-55 respectively, but the largest lead by both teams was seven. Also, the score was tied 10 times and there were 10 lead changes.
“The IUP game was tough,” said guard Samantha Reimer, who scored seven points in the loss. “IUP makes you play ugly. Throughout the game, we just tried to take care of the ball and take good shots.”
In the overtime Edinboro took a last second shot and despite a lot of contact, no foul was called by the officials.
“The overtime, like the rest of the game was ugly and tough. It went back and forth. [IUP] came out on top on a few questionable last second calls. We had no time to hang our heads though.”
Leading the way for the Scots were forwards Renee Brown and Kelsey Conklin. Brown recorded a double-double with 18 points and a game high 15 rebounds, while Conklin tied Brown with a game high 18 points and added six rebounds of her own. Guard Kerry
Connolly provided a spark off the bench with seven points including going 2-3 from behind the three-point line.
Connolly has noticed improvement during her inaugural season with the Scots.
“The college level is played at a much faster pace than high school. The competition is better, which has improved my mentality of the game. I think I am improving a lot because I’m learning things every day, whether at practice or the games.”
Edinboro had one more chance to punch their ticket into the post-season, and Reimer made sure the team knew the importance of the game.
“Going into the Clarion game, the seniors told the team that we did not want this to be the last time we played with them. We simply refused to lose. We played hard, smart and together. It was an amazing senior day.”
The pre-game speech was successful, as five players were in double figures as the Scots beat the Golden Eagles 78-66.
Leading the way for the Scots was the senior trio of Reimer, Conklin and Casey Heller, who scored 19, 12 and 12 points respectively. Brown continued her solid play adding 10 points and six rebounds. Forward Samantha Blazetic also was in double figures with 12 points.
The Scots begin their playoff journey as they travel to Erie to take on Gannon. The Golden Knights are the No. 1 team in the nation, according to the USA TODAY/ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.
Reimer and Connolly are hoping that the third time is the charm in terms of trying to hand Gannon their first loss of the season.
“Being on the road for the playoffs will definitely be tough,” Reimer said. “We are going into Gannon’s gym, they are ranked No. 1 in the nation. It’s going to be awesome atmosphere, we are thrilled about it. How many people get to play against the No. 1 team in the nation? We plan to play Gannon the exact way we played them at home. We played so hard, smart and together. We hope there will be a different outcome this time though. They cannot be too thrilled about playing us for a third time. “
Connolly also said of playing on the road:
“The last game against Gannon was heartbreaking. We played with them the whole time, and played with heart. Our defense was key. If we can stop them from making runs and if we take care of the ball, we have a great chance for success. If we remain focused we shouldn’t have a problem.”
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