The Westminster women's basketball team advances to the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Championship after Friday evening's 71-64 win over Eureka College. The win extends the Westminster Blue Jay's winning streak to 15 games, tying the program record. They are now 21-4 on the season.
The Blue Jays took a 4-0 lead, and a three-pointer by senior Kasey Gatson gave them a 9-2 lead with 5:20 on the clock. With 2:37 left in the first quarter, senior Sadie Theroff hit a three-pointer to take a 10-point lead, 14-4, but Eureka cut the lead to six points to end the first quarter, 15-9.
Eureka cut the game to three points 1:29 into the second quarter, but a good jumper by senior Krista Armontrout lifted the Blue Jays back up by eight, 23-15. Eureka hit two three's and two free throws to tie up the game for the first time. Armontrout made a traditional three-point play to start a 12-2 run to take a 10-point lead, 35-25. Eureka scored two, but a layup by Armontrout sent the game into halftime 37-27.
Eureka brought the game to two points 4:32 into the second half, 39-37. Baskets by Armontrout and junior Andrea Zalis put the Blue Jays up by six, but Eureka dropped the lead back to two three more times. A free throw put the game within one heading into the final quarter while outscored the Blue Jays 21-12 in the third quarter.
Eureka took their first lead of the game 2:19 into the fourth quarter, 52-51. Two free throws by freshman Mirrakohl Johnson put the Blue Jays back in the lead, and a jumper by senior Mackenzie Haddox put the Blue Jays up by three, 55-52. A three by Eureka knotted the game up for the second time in the quarter, but Haddox scored a 6-0 run to put the Blue Jays up by six. Haddox put in two more from the line to take an eight-point lead with 33 seconds remaining. Eureka made two from the line, but Zalis added two of her own from the line for the Blue Jays to put them back up by eight, 69-61. With 18 seconds on the clock, Eureka hit a three to bring the game within five, but they immediately fouled, sending junior Payton Gruber to the line. She secured the win with two made free throws, ending the game with a 71-64 win.
Armontrout recorded a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds. She went 11-for-17 from the field and finished with nine defensive boards. Zalis went 7-for-7 from the foul line to add 15 points to the win. Gatson posted nine rebounds and three assists.
The Blue Jays now host Greenville College on Saturday, February 27, for the SLIAC Championship game. Tip-off is at 7:00 pm in Fulton, Missouri. The winner earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
