Krista Tschetter
In their third and final appearance in the Division II Elite Eight, the lady Jackrabbits fell hard and fast in the quarterfinals against California (Pa.).
The 96-79 loss in St. Joseph, Mo., was a disappointing end to a reign otherwise marked with success, including last year’s national title.
Frustratingly for the Jacks, it wasn’t that they played poorly in last Wednesday night’s match-up. They shot 48.3 percent and forced 21 California turnovers.
But the California squad, going into the game touting a 33-1 season record, was relentless, constantly pressuring the Jacks into bad decisions and forcing 27 turnovers.
Moreover, the Vulcans were on fire shooting-wise, with all five starters finishing in double figures. A white-hot second half had the Vulcans making 74 percent of what they attempted from the field.
“I’ve never seen a team shoot 74 percent (in a half) in the Elite 8,” senior guard Stacie Cizek told the Sioux Falls Argus Leader after the game.
“I don’t know if there was anything else we could have done,” said SDSU head coach Aaron Johnston.
Junior Shannon Shlagel led Jackrabbit scoring with 23 points. Senior Brenda Davis scored 21 points in her final game, and freshman Megal Vogel contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Vulcans went on to win the national title on Saturday.
The Jacks ended their final Division II season 26-7.
Related posts:
Follow Us!