Krystal Geeson
Staff Writer
After back-to-back wins last week, the Idaho State Women’s Basketball team earned the fifth seed in the upcoming Big Sky Conference tournament.
Senior Sheryl Bitter led the Bengals to a victory against Eastern Washington last Thursday, after scoring a game-high 21 points.
“It’s a very good win. We have lost to them the last three times; they are definitely becoming a rival to us,” said Bitter. “It’s huge to get that momentum. By the time post-season tournament comes, it is who’s playing the best and can be anybody’s game.”
Head Coach Seton Sobolewski was pleased with the win but still placed an importance on their last regular-season game.
“I am just extremely happy for the seniors. We are doing what we are supposed to be doing this time of year. You want to be playing well and you want to be sharp going into the conference tournament,” said Sobolewski.
Five seniors finished their last regular-season game in Reed Gym on Saturday March 8 in front of a crowd of 1,117 supporters, with a win against Portland.
“I will never forget [playing at] ISU,” said Alissa Willard. “This has been a one-of-a kind experience.”
Just like the previous game against Eastern Washington, Idaho State entered halftime with a close score but came out strong in their second half. Senior Kara Jenkins said the seniors and underclassmen worked hard to get to the tournament.
“When you walk off that floor for the last time, every memory hits you at once. It’s been nothing but amazing support here,” Jenkins said, reflecting on her senior day. “We are coming [to the tournament] with fire. We are motivated; we have given every single team that has made the conference tournament a good run. It’s anyone’s game this year. We are a great offensive team and our defense is stable. When you put those two together it performs like tonight.”
Senior Lindsey Reed also had a game-high 21 points in her last game, which she said was the same as what she started her career with in Reed Gym.
“We have got to keep doing what we are doing and stay healthy. We have to go into the tournament focused and take one game at a time. If we play anything like we just did last Thursday I think it will look good for us,” said Reed about heading to North Dakota. “I’m going to miss playing here in front of everybody, but at the same time I am still just hungry for this tournament. I’m not satisfied with a last couple good games at ISU, I want to go and bring back that championship.”
Coach Sobolewski was pleased with his seniors, he commented on how much they have developed and how determined they are.
“Bitter, Willard, and Tingey had an opportunity to play right away [this season], and they did an awesome job preparing themselves for that opportunity,” Sobolewski said.
Idaho State will face the fourth seed Eastern Washington, who they defeated Thursday, March 6 86-62, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Grand Forks, N.D.
“Our mindset is ‘why not’? Why can’t we win a championship? All of the teams at the top of the conference we have shown we can play with them. Why couldn’t we go up there and win it all?” concluded Sobolewski after an encouraging win.
Senior Jessica Tingey is feeling confident going into the tournament. “I feel the environment around us is different than past years.
“I think we are ready.”
