The Bryant University women’s basketball team has made waves by earning a spot in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) as the automatic qualifier from the America East Conference.
This achievement highlights just how thrilling March can be for college basketball fans. “We’re excited for our women’s basketball team to have a chance to compete in the postseason,” said Bill Smith, Vice President of Athletics & Recreation.
The WNIT selection will be revealed on Sunday night (March 16), with the complete bracket to follow on Monday, March 17. This is an exciting moment for the team, especially after finishing the season with a 17-14 record. They made a significant mark by reaching the semifinals of the America East Women’s Basketball Playoffs and securing their first playoff win in this conference against Binghamton.
This season saw Bryant achieving more than just wins. Coach Lynne-Ann Kokoski led the team to their second consecutive season with over 15 victories, alongside 10 home wins for the second year straight, a feat not accomplished since 2015-2016.
Individual players also shone bright this season, earning recognition for their hard work. Mia Mancini was honored on the All-America East Second Team. Nia Scott’s defensive skills earned her a spot on the All-Defensive Team, while rookie Olivia Fernandez impressed with her play, landing a place on the All-Rookie Team.
This marks only the second time Bryant has participated in a postseason tournament, with their first experience at the WBI during the 2013-14 season, where they faced Fairfield in a nail-biting double overtime game.
Recent trends show that postseason opportunities like this are crucial for developing programs, both for player experience and for elevating the school’s reputation in college sports. The growth of Bryant’s women’s basketball program reflects broader changes in collegiate athletics, emphasizing the importance of competitive balance and player development.
As the announcement draws near, anticipation builds among players and fans alike. The Bryant Bulldogs have a chance to make their mark in history and prove that they are a team to watch on the national stage.
For more on the WNIT and its history, you can visit the official WNIT website.
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