Valpo Women’s Basketball Wrap-Up
The Valpo women’s basketball team is gearing up for their last game of the regular season. They’ll face off against Murray State, the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) champions, this Saturday at 1 p.m.
In their last match, Valpo struggled against Belmont, losing 83-63. Despite the defeat, Milana Nenadic stood out with 18 points and 10 rebounds, marking her third double-double of the season.
Head Coach Insights
Courtney Boyd, in her first year as head coach, brings a wealth of experience. Before joining Valpo, she led her previous teams to multiple successful seasons, including a national title in 2023. This season has been a tough one for the Beacons, looking for their first win despite the challenges.
Historical Context
Valpo’s matchup against Murray State has been one-sided, with the Racers winning all six encounters since they joined the MVC. Earlier this season, the Racers defeated Valpo 95-69. The Beacons were within nine points at halftime, but a strong third quarter from Murray State widened the gap.
Recent Performance Trends
Valpo has faced challenges at home, struggling to find their rhythm with a current record of 0-12 at the Athletics-Recreation Center (ARC). Last season, they boasted a winning home record, but this year has been a tough adjustment.
Additionally, they’ve struggled with consistency in quarters, particularly the second, where they’ve been outscored multiple times, affecting overall game outcomes.
Standout Players
Fiona Connolly recently reached a career milestone, scoring her 500th collegiate point. She has significantly increased her scoring average this season, reflecting her importance to the team. Also, Allia von Schlegell has been making waves as a freshman, leading her class in scoring, which is a sign of great potential for Valpo.
Looking Ahead
The MVC Women’s Basketball Tournament kicks off next week in Coralville, Iowa. Valpo aims to turn things around against tough competition. Everyone is hoping for a strong finish to the season despite the hurdles faced.
As the season wraps up, fans are eager to see how the Beacons can regroup and carry lessons learned into future games.
For more updates, check out Valpo Athletics.
