Holland, MI- After claiming their ninth NCAC Tournament title Wittenberg returned to NCAA action for the first time since 2015. In the 2022 Division III Women's Basketball selection show, the Tigers were paired against the Pioneers of Marietta. Marietta who is receiving votes from D3Hoops.com for top 25 rankings had an overall record of 21-5 this season but ended their regular season in the OAC quarterfinal match.
In a team comparison Marietta had more wins under their belt in the 2021-22 season compared to Wittenberg's 18. The Tigers have averaged 64.9 points per game, average 39.8% from the field, 28% in three's, and 70.6% from the line. On the other side, the Pioneers have averaged 69.1 points per game, 39% average from the field, 28.9% in three's, and 71% from the line.
The Tigers were led by Taryn Cash, Delaney Williams, Abigail Yunker, Kristie Kalis, Jade Simpson on the court as Wittenberg's starting five. The starting line-up accumulated a total of 31 points, 18 rebounds, and an overall shooting percentage of 38.1%. As a team, Wittenberg was 28.6% in field goals, 26.1% in three points, and 80% from the line.
Wittenberg started the first quarter off strong with 20 points, doubling the Pioneers scoring power. The Tigers were led by Abigail Yunker and Semie Brar with six points each for the Red & White to head into the second quarter with a 20-10 lead. The Tigers were able to add 10 to their total with Kristie Kalis taking the lead in points for Wittenberg with eight. The Pioneers were able to catch up in the second quarter to take the Red & White into the half with a slim one-point lead. Wittenberg slowed down in the third quarter, only putting up 11 points compared to Marietta's 18. Adding to Wittenberg's total was Kalis (5), Lauren Legate (3), and Kylee Slone (2). The Pioneers took the lead heading into the final quarter of play with a 47-41 score. The final quarter would be the Tigers toughest quarter offensively. The Pioneers were able to lock down and limit Wittenberg to nine points for a final score of 65-50. The Tigers end their year with an overall 18-8 record and first NCAA appearance since 2015 for a tremendous season.
Wittenberg Leaders- The Tigers had eight different individuals score, being led by Kristie Kalis with 14 points. Abigail Yunker led the Red & White in assists with three on the night, and defensively Kalis led the way with six rebounds.