UAA’s Fierce Battle Ends in Narrow 67-63 Defeat in Shootout 3rd Place Match

Freshman guard Mylee Anderson shined with 19 points, and senior Elaina Mack earned a double-double in a close match against Bowling Green, losing 67-63 in the third-place game of the ASRC/ConocoPhillips Great Alaska Shootout. Mack contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, securing a spot on the all-tournament team. Sophomore Mahaila Harrison also made her mark with 15 points and seven rebounds. This game counted as an exhibition for the 22nd-ranked NCAA Div. II Seawolves.

Bowling Green’s Paige Kohler led her team with 19 points, while Johnea Donahue added 14 points, showing strong performances that contributed to their win.

Coach Matt Thune remarked, “We learned a lot about ourselves this weekend and should feel encouraged.” He highlighted the need to improve on free throws and turnovers, areas that influenced the game’s outcome. The community’s support was a boost, making the tournament a memorable experience.

The Seawolves faced early struggles, trailing 14-6 at one point. They showed resilience by ending the first quarter strong at 23-20 and claiming a 26-25 lead midway through the second. After a tied halftime, UAA took control in the third quarter, leading 49-38 thanks to Mack’s three-pointer.

But Bowling Green answered back, cutting the lead to a close game. Despite Anderson’s layup pushing UAA ahead 61-59, Kohler’s three-pointer flipped the lead back to Bowling Green. Eventually, Kohler cemented their victory with key free throws.

UAA’s Lillee Duffin stood out with 12 rebounds and solid defense, proving valuable despite the loss. Looking ahead, the Seawolves will face UC Merced next weekend to continue their NCAA Div. II journey. Fans can find tickets and more information at GoSeawolves.com.

This tournament has also sparked discussions online, with fans praising Mack’s performance and expressing hope for the team’s future. On social media, hashtags related to the tournament trended locally, showcasing the community’s growing passion for women’s basketball.

As women’s sports gain visibility, statistics show that viewership and support are on the rise. A 2021 report revealed viewership for women’s sports increased by 54% compared to earlier years, reflecting a shift toward greater appreciation of female athletes. This trend is crucial for programs like UAA, which continue to build a strong following.

The upcoming games will be a chance for the Seawolves to apply what they’ve learned and rally their fans for support in their NCAA Div. II campaign.

Source link