WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Feb. 16) – There was plenty to celebrate Wednesday night as the Waynesburg University women's basketball team took on Washington & Jefferson.
Not only was it senior night, but the Yellow Jackets put together an impressive 77-56 win over Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) rival Washington & Jefferson. The victory not only clinched third place in the PAC standings for the Jackets (17-7, 10-6), but by beating the Presidents (9-15, 6-9) for a second time this year, it marked Waynesburg's first sweep of the two team's season series in 18 years.
The home team led their opponents from start to finish after scoring the first six points of the game and never trailing on the night. Despite Waynesburg's hot start, the game was far from decided at halftime as the Jackets led 33-27 before heading into the locker room.
The Yellow Jackets put together one of their best second-half efforts of the season and out-scored the visitors 44-29 over the final 20 minutes of play. Waynesburg held major advantages in field goal shooting and rebounding. The Jackets connected on 29-of-67 tries from the floor (43 percent), while W&J made just 18 of its 47 shot attempts (38 percent). The Orange and Black also out-rebounded the Presidents 46-to-28, including an 18-to-eight edge in offensive rebounds.
Sophomore guard Brittany Spencer paced the Waynesburg attack with a game-high 21 points and tied for the game lead in rebounds with eight. She also tied for the game lead with five assists.
In her final regular season game at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse, senior forward Elisha Jones put in another solid scoring performance with 16 points. Fellow senior forward Malaeja Leggett added seven points and six rebounds, while junior point guard Hannah Hunter chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Before the Jackets return to the Marisa Fieldhouse next week for the first round of the PAC playoffs, they will wrap up the regular season on the road Saturday at Geneva. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
