This past weekend, the Saint Xavier women’s basketball team traveled to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska for the NAIA Opening Round. After receiving the No.5 seed in their respective bracket, the Cougars were upset by No. 12 Bethel University (Tenn.), 79-69 on Friday afternoon.
SXU took an early lead in the opening period, but Bethel rallied back with a run of their own and the Cougars led 20-19 at the end of the first.
Bethel then took control of the with a 17-3 run midway through the second quarter, giving them a seven point lead. The Cougars were able to cut the deficit down to five and trailed 39-34 going into halftime.
After the break, Bethel took another double-digit lead. The Cougars found themselves trailing at most 77-61, and from there were never able to recover, suffering the upset loss in the Opening Round.
Claire Austin led the Cougars with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
McKenna Zobel added 15 points and three rebounds. Freshman Aaliyahna Derrell chipped in 10 points and four rebounds.
Coach Brewster said after the game, “I’m very proud of this team. They didn’t make an excuse or shy away from any challenge all season. I want to thank our seniors for their tremendous work ethic and leadership on and off the court.”
Despite an early exit in the postseason, there was still a lot to be proud about this season, just as Coach Brewster mentioned. Several Lady Cougars were recognized for their stellar performances during the CCAC postseason awards.
Forward Claire Austin earned First Team All-CCAC for the second year in a row. Guard Brianna Flayter received Second Team All-CCAC honors for the second time in her career.
Sidney Lovitch was recognized as Second Team All-CCAC and the first ever Defensive Player of the Year award. McKenna Zobel was honored as Second Team All-CCAC as well.
Alyssa Crenshaw was selected as a member of the All-Freshman Team and head coach Travis Brewster was named CCAC Coach of the Year in his first season with the Cougars.
The Cougars concluded the year with a 25-7 overall record, 21-1 record in the CCAC, as well as the CCAC Regular Season Champions. The Cougars will only see a couple seniors depart, so they will still have a talented group returning on the court next season.
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