News Summary
The Wheeling University Women’s Basketball team faced a disappointing defeat against Glenville State in the MEC quarterfinals, ending the game with a score of 58-49. Despite a strong defense and determined efforts throughout the season, the Cardinals struggled to find their rhythm early on. Led by Rachel Wilson, who totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds, the team fought back in the second half but ultimately fell short. With a season ending record of 17 wins and 12 losses, the Cardinals remain hopeful for a brighter return in the next season.
Wheeling, West Virginia: Tough Loss for the Cardinals in MEC Quarterfinals
The excitement was palpable as the Wheeling University Women’s Basketball team took to the court for the quarterfinal round of the 2025 Mountain East Conference (MEC) Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 6, 2025. Fans at WesBanco Arena cheered fervently, hoping for a thrilling victory. Unfortunately, the game didn’t go as planned, as the Cardinals fell to Glenville State with a score of 58-49.
Building the Season’s Legacy
With the season coming to a close, Wheeling University proudly ended with a record of 17 wins and 12 losses, including a commendable 13-7 conference record. The Cardinals fought hard throughout the season, showcasing their talent and determination on the court.
Slow Start Yet Strong Defense
Right from the tip-off, Wheeling struggled to find its rhythm. The game began slowly, with both teams combining for just nine points in the first 4:30 of play, as nerves seemed to play a factor. Glenville State jumped to an early lead, scoring seven of the first nine points and pulling ahead 11-3 after a media timeout. Rachel Wilson finally got Wheeling on the board with their first bucket at the 5:44 mark in the first quarter, igniting a small spark of hope.
Despite a layup from Kristel Rattasepp that cut the deficit to 11-7, Glenville continued to pile on the pressure and extended their lead to 18-7. The quarter wrapped up with Wheeling trailing 18-8 after Graci Fairman made one of two free throws. The Cardinals showed promise with their defense, which held Glenville State to a shooting percentage of just 39.3% from the floor.
A Glimpse of Hope
The second quarter showcased Wheeling’s tenacity as they held Glenville State scoreless for nearly four minutes. Rallying behind Rachel Wilson, who scored six consecutive points, Wheeling shortened the gap to just two points at 18-16. As the teams exchanged leads, Kenzie Dalton added a coast-to-coast layup, bringing the score to 24-22. Unfortunately, Glenville ended the half with a strong 10-0 run, leading 34-25 at the break.
Third Quarter Revival
The Cardinals came back strong in the third quarter, with Emilia Sierra Lacosta opening it up with a three-pointer. Seizing the momentum, Wheeling went on an 8-0 run with Wilson contributing six of those points, tying the game at 36-36. Glenville quickly retaliated, pulling ahead to 40-36. However, Bryana Henderson’s three-pointer brought Wheeling within one point again at 40-39. The quarter concluded with Wheeling outscoring Glenville State 14-11, although they still trailed 45-39 heading into the final quarter.
Final Efforts Fall Short
As the fourth quarter began, Rachel Wilson continued her outstanding performance by scoring the first six points for Wheeling. However, the game slowed down dramatically, with both teams struggling to find the basket for almost four minutes. Rattasepp eventually broke the scoreless stretch with a much-needed layup, but it wasn’t enough as Glenville extended their lead to 58-47.
In the closing moments, Kenzie Dalton managed to score the final basket for the Cardinals with a layup just 16 seconds before the buzzer. Despite the loss, Wilson shone brightly, leading Wheeling with a team-high of 20 points and 11 rebounds, marking her 13th double-double of the season. Kenzie Dalton and Kristel Rattasepp supported the team with 10 points and 5 rebounds and 3 assists respectively.
Looking Ahead
As the season wraps up, Head Coach Anna Kowalska expressed pride in her team, emphasizing the growth and experience gained, especially for a young roster. With heads held high, the Wheeling University Women’s Basketball team heads into the offseason with hopes of making a successful return to the MEC Tournament in the 2025-26 season. The Cardinals will be back, ready to soar once again!
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Additional Resources
- Wheeling University Athletics
- WBOY News
- WVU Sports
- BVM Sports
- Kutztown University Athletics
- Google Search: Mountain East Conference 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
