In last week’s showdown against Hiram College, the Yeowomen celebrated as their chances to make the NCAC tournament increased with a solid 61-56 victory over the Terriers. Only eight teams in the NCAC qualify for the tournament.

Trailing by five with two minutes remaining in the match, Oberlin went on a 10-0 run to seal the win. Between the hot hands of first-year Monica Zell, who hit two three-pointers, and clutch free throw shooting from sophomore guard Alyssa Clark, the Yeowomen were able to seal their victory.

Senior forward Jessie Oram added 15 points, while Clark scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Zell put on a show with a career high of 22 points, sinking six treys on 11 attempts. The Terriers were led by senior Cassie Bedard, who scored 20 points and grabbed seven boards.

Oberlin out-rebounded Hiram 40-35 and shot 42.9 percent from the floor. “In all likelihood we qualified for the playoffs, so it was an exciting win,” said Head Coach Champion. “Last year we didn’t even qualify.”

The exciting victory over Hiram gave Oberlin a confidence boost before the Yeowomen’s match up against the Arrows of Ursuline College. In the first half of action, both teams scored back and forth, but Oberlin trailed by one going into the half.

In the second half of play the Yeowomen took a three point lead with 14 minutes remaining in the match. Ursuline poured on the points as they went on a 17-3 run, taking an 11-point lead over Oberlin.

With just eight minutes remaining in the game, the Yeowomen quickly responded by knocking down clutch three-pointers and lay-ups to keep the match within range. Oberlin came up short and fell to Ursuline College 82-85. The Yeowomen were in foul trouble throughout the entire match, sending the Arrows to the free throw line 31 times. Urusline took advantage of the free throws, knocking down 26 out of 31 attempts.

Clark had an impressive game with 16 points, grabbing 10 boards, eight assists and picking up six steals. Zell had another great night behind the arc, nailing five treys and adding 17 points. Junior forward Roneisha Kinney also contributed with 12 buckets and 8 rebounds.

The Arrows were paced by guard Whitney Blackburn who notched 20 points. The Yeowomen out-rebounded the Arrows 35-30 and out-shot them with a 47 percentage from the floor. Ursuline was outstanding behind the arc, notching 13 three-pointers and shooting 83.9 percent from the free-throw line.

“I was excited about the game because we scored the highest we have done all year,” said Champion. “Offensively we played our best game of the year, but we put them on the free throw line too much.”

This Saturday the Yeowomen get ready for an exciting alumni match-up of the old school players versus the new school ones. The game is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. at Phillips Gymnasium.