This past Thursday night, the Michigan Women’s Basketball team played their last home game of the season and celebrated the seniors on the team, point guard Katelynn Flaherty and forward Jillian Dunston. The team went into the game unranked against the #13 ranked Terrapins ready for the challenge.
The Michigan Wolverines started off strong in the first quarter, scoring 21 points. The team fought hard against Maryland’s aggressive offense and caused two turnovers in the end of the 1st quarter resulting in a layup by Sophomore forward Kayla Robbins and a 2-pointer by Sophomore point guard Akienrah Johnson. The team seemed to be working well together, constantly finding the open player and scoring efficiently. The Wolverines started to lose their stride, however, in the second quarter as personal fouls and a travelling call allowed the Terrapins to close the gap to two points with a score of 35-33.
The second half was full of nail biting excitement as both teams fought hard to take the win. Maryland Sophomore Kaila Charles came out strong scoring major points and allowing the Terrapins to stay close behind to the Wolverines throughout the rest of the game. This was not enough for Maryland, however, because of the scoring power of the Wolverines. The seniors on the team racked up necessary points followed by Junior center Hailey Thome and Johnson. Between these four and Junior guard Nicole Munger’s ability to score five points in the last couple minutes of the half the Wolverines were able to end Maryland’s ability to close the gap and sealing their win 71-65.
Throughout the entire game Michigan did not give up the lead once, stating this team’s dominance against skilled teams. Each player was able to contribute to this win, whether it was by putting points on the board or getting rebounds and turnovers. The Wolverines came out in force and used every ounce of energy they had to pull off this win against the Terrapins. The last conference and home game of the season was one to enjoy as the whole last half kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. As we bid farewell to our seniors, it was a bittersweet goodbye as their season comes to a close with a big win. Their impact on this team is major, but as young as this team is, there is hopefully a positive future season ahead.
The Michigan Wolverines started off strong in the first quarter, scoring 21 points. The team fought hard against Maryland’s aggressive offense and caused two turnovers in the end of the 1st quarter resulting in a layup by Sophomore forward Kayla Robbins and a 2-pointer by Sophomore point guard Akienrah Johnson. The team seemed to be working well together, constantly finding the open player and scoring efficiently. The Wolverines started to lose their stride, however, in the second quarter as personal fouls and a travelling call allowed the Terrapins to close the gap to two points with a score of 35-33.
The second half was full of nail biting excitement as both teams fought hard to take the win. Maryland Sophomore Kaila Charles came out strong scoring major points and allowing the Terrapins to stay close behind to the Wolverines throughout the rest of the game. This was not enough for Maryland, however, because of the scoring power of the Wolverines. The seniors on the team racked up necessary points followed by Junior center Hailey Thome and Johnson. Between these four and Junior guard Nicole Munger’s ability to score five points in the last couple minutes of the half the Wolverines were able to end Maryland’s ability to close the gap and sealing their win 71-65.
Throughout the entire game Michigan did not give up the lead once, stating this team’s dominance against skilled teams. Each player was able to contribute to this win, whether it was by putting points on the board or getting rebounds and turnovers. The Wolverines came out in force and used every ounce of energy they had to pull off this win against the Terrapins. The last conference and home game of the season was one to enjoy as the whole last half kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. As we bid farewell to our seniors, it was a bittersweet goodbye as their season comes to a close with a big win. Their impact on this team is major, but as young as this team is, there is hopefully a positive future season ahead.