California, Gannon Advance to PSAC Women's Basketball Championship Game
Tournament Headquarters
Erie, Pa. - California and Gannon broke open close games in the second half and eventually rolled to double-digit victories over West Chester and Kutztown, respectively, in the semifinals of the PSAC women's basketball tournament on Friday evening from the Hammermill Center on Gannon's campus. That sets up a championship game rematch of last year's NCAA regional championship game, won by the Vulcans. However, Gannon swept both games against the Vulcans in the regular season en route to their current 32-0 record an No. 1 national ranking.
California 81, West Chester 63
California had three players record double-doubles and placed four players in double figures to race past West Chester in the first semifinal. Brooque Williams led the Vulcans with 26 points and 12 rebounds while Kayla Smith had 15 points and 12 boards. Amy Johns had 14 points and 11 rebounds while Danielle Luckett had 13 points. Jillian Keefer led West Chester with 16 points while Natalie Winters had 15.
The Vulcans outrebounded the Golden Rams by 10 and had more offensive rebounds (24) and defensive (23). Cal also held an advantage at the free throw line, going 20-for-32 compared to just 6-for-10 for West Chester. Both teams were plagued by turnovers, with Cal giving it away 23 times and West Chester committing 25 giveaways.
The win advances California to its 10th straight PSAC tournament championship game, where the Vulcans will be looking for the first conference tournament title since 2006, as the Vulcans lost to IUP in the championship game in each of the last three seasons.
Gannon 81, Kutztown 65
Gannon got 27 points from Carrie Nolan and Brittany Tabron had a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds and the Golden Knights dominated the game inside to roll onto their 32nd straight win with an 81-65 victory over Kutztown. Kristina Freeman had 13 points and six rebounds while Kim Vargas just missed a double-double with nine points and 10 boards.
The Golden Knights outrebounded the Golden Bears by 22, 50-28, including 17-5 on the offensive end, as Kutztown struggled to match-up inside with Tabron and Vargas. Gannon outscored Kutztown in the paint 44-22. Despite Gannon's advantages, the Golden Bears kept the game close well into the second half on the strength of its outside shooting. Kutztown went 10-of-24 from three-point range and were led by Rachel Wisemiller's 16 points, including four three-pointers. She also scored her 1,000th career point in the game. Melissa McQuade also had 16 for Kutztown but McQuade, who also averages 8.1 rebounds per game, only had one board.
The game was very well-played, with each team committing just 11 turnovers apiece. With the win, Gannon advances to its first-ever PSAC tournament championship game.