Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Megan Stewart scored 17 points and Dana Weems hit a clutch 3-pointer at the end of regulation as West Chester held on to upset visiting Millersville, 64-54, in overtime Wednesday evening in a PSAC East opener for both schools.
The win snapped Millersville’s 14-game regular-season winning streak within the conference dating back to 2006-07 and marked the first time in almost two years that West Chester (9-5, 1-0 PSAC East) defeated Millersville (11-3, 0-1 PSAC East).
“It’s just the first win in the conference,” West Chester head coach Deirdre Kane said. “We are glad it’s Millersville, but there are 13 more games to play.”
The Marauders shot just 28.6 percent from the field for the game (20 of 70), including a dismal 1-for-12 performance in the overtime session. The Golden Rams outscored their guests by a measure of 15-5 to pull out the victory on their own home floor.
“The game plan was to sag in the zone except when (Jenna Philo) and Ashley (Moyer) had the ball,” Kane added. “We kept our composure in the OT and adhered to that game plan, and we made our free throws when we had the lead.”
Weems nailed a 3-pointer from 23 feet with 22 seconds left that knotted the game at 49-all, sending the contest into OT. The bomb from way downtown capped a mini 7-3 spurt by the Rams to end regulation.
“We had no choice,” Kane explained about Weem’s 3-point attempt. “That’s what (Millersville) gave her, and she took it.”
There were six lead changes and eight ties in the closely-contested tilt. Millersville was able to keep the game close despite its poor shooting performance on the effort of 44 rebounds, including 22 off the offensive glass.
“(Millersville) rebounded well. That’s what they do,” Kane admitted. “That is their game plan. And it is harder to rebound when you are playing a zone. We have to work on that.”
Stewart’s 17 lead three scorers in double figures. Janelle Garber contributed 13 and Allison Hostetter 10 with each grabbing a team-high eight rebounds. Stewart added four assists and three steals in the win. Renata Neal posted eight crucial points off the bench for the Rams, including a nifty drive and layup in the overtime period that helped stake West Chester to its largest lead of the night.
“We put that play in our system specifically for Dana’s skill set,” Kane revealed. “But, ’Nata pulled it off perfectly. She was converting plays designed for Dana all night.”
Weems’ 3-ball in the final minute was just her second bucket of the evening from the field. Millersville’s defense limited Weems to just six points and five rebounds, none on the offensive side.
Gladine St. Julien led the Marauders effort with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Jenna Craig grabbed 11 rebounds. Gabrielle Styles, playing for the injured Raquel Green, put up eight points and nine rebounds off the bench.
West Chester hosts Bloomsburg Saturday at 1 p.m. in the first game of a doubleheader at Hollinger Field House with the men’s squad. Both games can be heard live on 91.7 WCUR-FM or on the internet at www.wcur.fm or www.redzonemedia.com.
