Greencastle, IN- The Tigers advanced to the NCAC Semifinals for the 24th time in program history after defeating the Yeowomen of Oberlin with a score of 43-36 on their home court. The win sent Wittenberg on the road to Greencastle, IN for a match-up with the Big Red of Denison. The Tigers hoped to improve their overall record to 20-7 and the series record to 55-25. The last time the Tigers had a 20-7 season record was during the 1998-99 season with head coach Pam Smith leading Wittenberg to a first place finish in the NCAC. The Tigers took a good lead in the second and third quarter but were unable to repeat a run to the championship after a tough battle. Wittenberg fell in the fourth quarter 60-52 and end their 2020 campaign with a 19-8 record improving from last year's record.
Game Breakdown: The Tigers got off to a slow start, only putting up ten points in the first quarter to Denison's 15. After coming together, Wittenberg dominated the second quarter putting up nineteen points and shutting down the Big Red. Wittenberg rallied to take the lead going into the half with a score of 29-22. Tigers went into the half with a 32.3% field goal percentage, 28.6% in three points, and 70% from the line to lead in all categories. Kristie Kalis led the Tigers in points for the first two quarters with 12 points on the board, while Delaney Williams put up four assists. Wittenberg looked to carry this momentum into the third and fourth quarter in hopes of continuing their post season run.
The Tigers continued to outscore Denison in the third quarter, putting up fifteen points to extend their lead by eight with a score of 44-36. Unfortunately for the Tigers, that lead diminished in the fourth quarter when the Big Red were able to tie it up at 46-46 and then took the lead in the last minutes. Wittenberg ended the night with a 33.9% field goal percentage, 26.7% in three points, and 61.5% from the free throw line. Tigers picked up 38 rebounds, 5 steals and 12 assists to end the night.
Key Players: Korynne Berner ended her collegiate career leading the Tigers in points, putting up 16 with seven rebounds and one assist. Kalis followed with 15 points and seven rebounds. The Tigers will be graduating three outstanding seniors, including Berner, Riley Culver, and Jenna Bluemlein but will look to return a roster full of energy and vengeance next year.