Sports
Senior guard Katie Webber edging in to make a play against UW-Stout in the WIAC Semifinals.
Women’s basketball hosts national tournament a second year
The Pointer
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The women’s basketball team dominated the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this season.
After garnering the regular season conference title and winning their second WIAC Championship title, the Pointers earned the chance to host the NCAA Division III tournament for the second year in a row.
The Pointers are currently ranked fourth in the D3hoops.com poll and are 23-4 overall.
“I think everyone is pretty happy that we get to host again this year. We get to be in the ‘friendly confines of Berg,’ as Coach Egner calls it,” Britta Petersen said.
“We love playing in front of our family and friends. We’ve worked really hard all year and it’s been our goal all along to get into the NCAA tourney so it’s a great feeling when we accomplish our goals.”
Last season UW-SP hosted the tournament only to be bested in the NCAA first round 57-71 by St. Norbert.
This season, the Pointers are led by a determined group of seniors that will be working for their final chance at the NCAA title. They head into the first round to take on the Maryville Saints who currently stand at 22-5 overall.
The Saints earned the NCAA tournament spot after winning the St. Louis Intercollegiate Conference tournament title and will face the Pointers in their fourth straight national tournament.
“I expect them to come out playing hard and throwing everything they have at us, but I expect us to do the same thing to them,” said senior Jessi Sporle. “When it comes down to it, the winning team will be the one who wants it more and never gives up.”
The Pointers have had a strong season thus far and are currently riding on a four-win streak.
“The last couple of seasons we have been playing well and have had the opportunity to host. We have a great facility and it is a chance to really showcase it,” Assistant Coach Kole Vivian said.
“Although it is great to be playing at home, it does not guarantee anything in terms of wins and losses, but it does make us more comfortable playing in front of our UW-SP fans.”
UW-SP faces Maryville on Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in Berg Gym.
