RALEIGH, NC — Wittenberg landed a late knockout blow against the host Peace College Pacers in the Jackie Ammons Memorial Tournament championship, taking the win by a 69-54 final.
Junior post Stephanie Boardman (Cincinnati, Ohio/McAuley) compiled another sensational outing, pouring in 23 points in the win. With 52 combined points in two contests, Boardman earned tournament MVP honors.
The Tigers struggled out of the gate, falling behind 19-12 midway through the first half. However, a 13-0 run put the Tigers in front, as they led 29-22 at the intermission.
Senior Rachel Dixon (West Liberty, Ohio/Salem) put in eight points for the Red and White, but perhaps her greatest contribution came on the boards, where the senior collected seven caroms, all defensive. Fellow senior Katie Gardner (Newark, Ohio/Catholic) put together another well-rounded performance, earning all-tournament team honors with a five-point, four-rebound outing.
The Tigers saw their seven-point lead evaporate right out of the locker room, with Peace College claiming the lead at 33-29. However, a timeout and a Tiger run later, Wittenberg seized the momentum and the lead again moments later. Junior wing Carrie Dyer (Copley, Ohio/Copley) came off the bench to provide a big lift for the Tigers, taking down seven rebounds and putting in six big points as the Tigers slowly pulled away.
The win moved the Tigers to 2-0 as they return to Ohio to get into their first in-region competition of the 2008-09 season. Wittenberg travels to Ada, Ohio, on Tuesday, Nov. 25, to take on the Ohio Northern Polar Bears. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Written By: Ben Bradley, SID Assistant