Play-maker Jenni Robbins looks for an open
teammate. She led all scorers with 21, snagged
two steals and had three assists on the night.
Story and Photos by Drew Moody
The northern West Virginia women's basketball power, seeded second
in the WVIAC Tournament, was handed its hat by an average team from
a school better known for its academics.
With several returning starters this was virtually the same team that gave the Lady Pioneers the boot in the quarter-finals last year, going on to play Fairmont for the championship â losing 85-78 in overtime.
Yet against Concord, the late game Wednesday night, their whole game
was off. They didn't look or play like the team that was 23-6 overall,
18-4 in conference play.
Losing 65-61 meant West Liberty was 21-points off their average point
total. Every shooting percentage went south.
It wasn't that Concord looked so great - sporting a 12-10 conference
record, how could they? What was clear is Concord wanted to win more.
They attacked the game like a pit bull with its jaws locked around a
favorite toy ... refusing to give in or give up.
It was a very physical game and West Liberty star
player Tori Hansen often got the worst of it.
Here she's fouled attempting to drive down the lane.
Except for a tie score at 20 at just under the two minute mark
West Liberty led throughout the first half. The advantage was
limited to single digits by a tenacious opponent. The half ended
with Concord down by three 25-22.
After sinking two quick second half baskets West Liberty went on
to gain a 9-point advantage (37-28) with just over 14 minutes left.
The implosion followed.
The audience's energy began changing. It was like a "whoosh"
of a shifting reality; and the team knew they could win too. Judging
from the steadfastness of the coach, I'd guess history will
footnote this game as the successful implementation of a well
thought out plan.
Natalie Burchfield (13) was held
in check by Concord's post players.
Just over two minutes later Concord was down by one basket and West
Liberty looked paralyzed, or the victim of stateside version of 'shock and awe'.
Concord took the lead and kept it with 3:35 left, the score stood
at 55-54.
Concord held on winning by four, 65-61.
Concord had two players in double-figures with Sidney Lindsey
and Jolysa Brown both scoring 18. The team hit 21 of 24 foul shots,
which at the end of the day made the difference.
West Liberty had three players in double-figures led by Jenni
Robbins with 21, Tori Hanson had 19 and Emily Blevins chipped
in 10.
The women's semifinals are Friday. Charleston (#1) meets
Seton Hill (#4) at 1 p.m. Glenville's Lady Pioneers (#3) takes
on Concord (#7) at 3 p.m.
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