Women still have HOPE!

With a simple twist of fate women hope for MWC Playoffs

by Dustin Looney
Courier Staff

Although Monmouth's women's basketball team has an overall record of 7-11, they have played better than a sub .500 team over the last five games.

Before losing their last two games to Grinnell and St. Norbert, they were riding high on a three game winning streak. The three wins, which were all home games, included beating rival Knox College, Illinois College, and the MWC first place team, Lawrence University.

According to the Scots' head coach, Melissa Jones, the Lawrence game was the best they have played all season. Being paced by tenacious defense and improving offense, MC was able to edge Lawrence 66-63.

Leading the way was sophomore Ashley Yeast, who recorded one of her 11 double-doubles of the season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Yeast was rewarded with her efforts by being named MWC performer of the week.

MC's senior Courtney Scherrer distributed the ball to her teammates, and gathered seven assists. Scherrer will likely find a spot in MC's history, as she is very close to becoming the school's leader in total assists.

Freshman Melissa Gorski has been a big boost to the Scots' increased competitiveness, as she has earned herself a starting spot and heavy minutes. Jones expects Gorski to be a leader and big contributor in her years to come at MC.

Although their chances of making the playoffs are slim, the team will look to improve throughout the rest of the season and make progress for next year.

With five games remaining on the 2005-06 schedule, they will work on the offensive end, particularly on half court sets.

The remaining teams on the schedule are Beloit College, Ripon College, Knox College, Lake Forest College and Illinois College.

Out of these games, however, only the Lake Forest game will be in Monmouth. The Scots will play Lake Forest on Sat., Feb. 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Huff Athletic Center.

The game will be senior night, saluting seniors Lisa Curry and Courtney Scherrer. Curry and Scherrer have both been competing for MC for all four years of their collegiate career.