Wooster Celebrates its Seniors, Falls to Wittenberg

The College of Wooster women's basketball team celebrated its three seniors on senior day but Wittenberg University came to Timken Gymnasium to spoil the day with a 94-50 win.

The Scots said thanks to Masani Francis, Jenna Stanton and Krista English before the game as the three saw plenty of playing time on Saturday. Francis was the only Scot to reach double figures in scoring and finished with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Stanton finished with four points, four rebounds and two steals, while English recorded six points and two steals.

All five starters for Wittenberg reached double figures. However, it was first year Jaida Malone who came off the bench to score a game-high 20 points.

Kristie Kalis recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Abigail Yunker added 15 points.

Wittenberg opened with an 11-4 lead before taking a 25-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter played similar, and Wittenberg led 50-26 at halftime.

Sophomore Melissa Burtscher scored all seven of her points in the first half as her and Francis combined for 11 of Wooster's 14 points in the second quarter.

The two teams played to a tie in the third as it was Wooster's best quarter offensively and defensively. Francis scored eight in the quarter, and English scored all six of hers. 

First-year Tamara Turner also scored four in the quarter. She finished the game with six points and a team-high five rebounds.

The Scots struggled to contain Wittenberg's transition offense as the Tigers finished with 25 fast break points. Wittenberg also finished the game with a shooting percentage of 58 percent (27-of-64).

Wooster shot just 29 percent (17-of-59) and struggled from range all game long (2-of-21). Wittenberg outrebounded the Scots 41-30 and scored 32 points off turnovers.

It was Wittenberg's fifth straight win as they move to 8-4 in North Coast Athletic Conference play and 13-7 overall. Wooster moves to 4-18 overall and 3-10 in the NCAC.

Wooster will be in action on Valentine's Day Monday when they host Oberlin College (17-3, 10-3 NCAC), who is coming off a 51-41 loss to DePauw University.