EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Ashland University student Cade Cracas, exclusively for Ashland Source.
ALLENDALE, Michigan — The venue may change, but the high-powered machine that is the Ashland University women’s basketball team continues to hum at peak efficiency.
Last week the Eagles rolled to a GMAC conference title in the friendly confines of Kates Gymnasium. On Friday, second-seeded Ashland took its act on the road for a 102-65 victory over Drury in the first round of the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament at Allendale, Michigan.
“I totally credit (the win to) our coaches and the preparation and also this team,” said Eagles’ guard Macy Spielman. “It is really hard to not have fun.
“It is a gift, every time we have a chance to step on this court.”
The No. 1-ranked Eagles improved to 31-1 and will challenge Ferris State on Saturday at 5 p.m. in a regional semifinal clash. The Bulldogs handed Ashland its only loss of the season 66-62 on Dec. 16.
“I think that the Ferris State game was a really great learning experience for us,” AU coach Kari Pickens said. “It sucks that we lost to them but I am not disappointed that we lost. I think it gave us freedom and permission to make changes.
“We are excited for a round two against them.”
The Eagles can begin plotting their revenge after dominating Drury with an offensive show that included shooting 55 percent from the field (37-of-67).
“That is honestly what we wanted to do today; make a statement,” said Eagles assistant coach Jenna Kotas. “We wanted people to know who the GMAC champions were.
“It is exciting to see people step up and fill big-time roles.”
AU opened the game with a blitz, scoring the first 14 points while the Panthers missed their first five shots and committed three turnovers. That triggered a timeout with 5:13 showing on the first-quarter clock.
“We have been able to play defense really well,” Pickens said. “I think that this team is on a mission and I think we have found a good rhythm.”
Drury finally got on the scoreboard with 3:38 showing to make it 16-2. AU cruised from there to a 26-8 margin at the end of the first period.
“The lights were a little too bright for us to start the game and we dug ourselves into a hole,” Drury head coach Kaci Bailey. “I said to the team, right before we came out, you’re about to see the best half-court defense you’ve seen all year. They took us out of any flow, and we forced a lot of shots in the first half.
“They’re a great team, they have a lot of upperclassmen, and they get it done on both ends of the floor.”
The Eagles opened the gap to 44-20 at halftime and roared into the fourth quarter with a 69-42 advantage. AU clinched the victory with a 33-22 scoring margin in the final period.
“They are a very, very good offensive team,” Kotas said of Drury. “The fact we held them to one of their lowest-scoring halves of the year is huge for us.
“Our girls are doing a great job of knowing our defensive scheme.”
Zoe Miller led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds, hitting 9-of-12 shots in the process.
“Zoe has been a beast for us since we got her last year,” Kotas said. “She is assigned with a tough task against tough post players. Offensively she is finishing through contact.”
Grad student Annie Roshak, the reigning Division II National Player of the Year, finished with 16, point guard Savaya Brockington with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Hayley Smith had 13 points and five assists, while Spielman chipped in 11 points.
Sarah McKee bounched off the bench to contribute eight points and four rebounds.
“We talked about the fact that before the game – that we have such a unique strength,” Pickens said. “Most programs usually have one or two forwards, but we have four. They are able to rotate in if someone is having an off day.”
Drury’s Beth Matas-Martin topped the Panthers with 18 points and four assists. Caitlynn Daniels posted 13 points and five rebounds, while Reese Schaaf collected 12 points and eight rebounds.
“I thought we battled in the second half,” Bailey said. “I’ll take that second-half effort any day.”
But it was still nowhere near enough to keep up with the high-powered defending national champions.
“It is amazing that we have so many players scoring and contributing,” Pickens said. “It is one of the things that has made us really good – that we have such depth at the scoring position.”
The photos below were taken by Ashland University student Cade Cracas special for Ashland Source.
