The Pioneers came into the game undefeated, 30-0 this year, 57-1 in the last two seasons with one loss in the Elite 8 last season. After this game, the team is 31-0, still dancing and advancing to the Final Four in Connecticut.
Tonight's Elite 8 game started with a layup immediately from the tip from NYU making it 2-0 Violets, then 4-0, an unfamiliar score to see in the Beck Center through the season and during the now four rounds of NCAA Tournament games. Then, the Pioneers began scoring with a Dasia Thornton defensive rebound and a good layup. Kennedi Stacy sank a couple of free throws to reel in the score to 6-4. Maddie Kellione added a few points of her own, Sadie Wurth added a steal to set up another Thornton layup to tie it at 14-14. With 54 seconds left in the first quarter, Thornton made back to back free throws to put the Pioneers up 18-17.
And they never allowed another lead change.
In the third, the Pioneers found their largest lead and groove going up 20 points on the Violets. Senior Dasia Thornton led the Pioneers with 22 points and 17 rebounds for the double-double followed by Kennedi Stacy at 23 points and 9 rebounds just shy of the double-double. Senior Maddie Kellione added her own 20 points. Junior Sydney Wright also added 7 rebounds to the Pioneers' 41 to the Violets' 29.
The final score read 79-63 for the Pioneers to give the Beck Center an Elite 8 winning story.
"It gets redundant to talk about how proud I am of this group of athletes, but this weekend showcased their tenacity, competitiveness, and willingness to come together on any game plan to win. The assistant coaches put together a great plan for the weekend and Coach Varel did an excellent job of implementing the strategy on the offensive and defensive end. I have no doubt this group will continue to rise to the challenge and have fun along the way," said Head Coach Juli Fulks.
Next Saturday, time TBA, the Pioneers will play Smith College in Connecticut for the Final Four game.
For more information, go to https://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-women/d3.
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