LaQuita Owens (AP Photo/Jake Schoellkopf)

Well, as I’ve been saying for the past few weeks about the West Virginia Women’s Basketball program, the late season slump was going to be there undoing. This senior-laden team, seven in all, had Sweet 16 potential all season. I mean they beat Rutgers this season. But a cop-out of a draw prevented all that.

West Virginia had to play the hardest 40 minutes of their careers to overcome the high attitude, the refs, and New Mexico at their home court. Vandy, on the other hand, breezed through Montana (as a 4 seed should) in a game in which their starters sat most of the second half. In the second half Vandy outscored the Eers 29-11 in the final 15:30 to win 64-46. Vandy, not WVU, will head to Spokane this weekend.

For their efforts the seniors scored all 46 points. Yinka Sanni with 14, Hottie Meg Bulger 13, LaQuita Owens (who wasn’t the same player since her 1-game suspension) scored 10, Chakhia Cole 7, and Lateefah Joye (who played solid minutes in the first half to keep the game close) scored 2.

Vandy jumped out to an 11-2 lead within the first four minutes of the game. However, turnovers due to WVU’s stingy zone defense got them back in it. When WVU was down 15-7 they embarked on a 17-3 run in the next 7:30 to take a 24-18. This sequence, however, may have been a turning point. Bulger missed a wide-open three off a steal that would’ve given the Eers a huge 9-point lead then on the other end Vandy hit a three of their own with a 9-2 run to retake the lead. Bulger in the final minute drained a three to give the Eers a 29-27 lead.

The Eers tried to hang tough in the second half but their legs were starting to leave them and Vandy took advantage the rest of the way. It was over when West Virginia had 6 offensive rebounds IN ONE POSSESSION but could not make a shot. Then on the other end once again Vandy drained a three to take a 56-41 lead with 5 minutes left. The Lady Commodores would cruise for there. WVU still has only one Sweet 16 appearance in school history and sadly it may be awhile before they get another.

The season may be over but let’s devote this final paragraph to commend and congratulate the seven seniors who poured their hearts out in making this program a success once again. Thank you Yinka Sanni, Meg Bulger, Chakhia Cole, LaQuita Owens, Lateefah Joye, Kendra Goodley, and Ranisha White for representing Old Gold and Blue. Be very proud of what you accomplished and don’t forget that you’ll always be part of Mountaineer Nation. While the athletes wearing the Mountaineer uniforms may come and go there will never ever be another senior class like this.

Again thank you and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!