Winning close games a big goal for Witt women

Tigers lost eight games by eight points or less a season ago; looking to flip that trend by finishing off contests

Wittenberg’s Stephanie Boardman (25) is guarded by Earlham’s Tasha Merrill during a Jan. 21 game at the Pam Evans Smith Arena. Boardman was the Tigers’ leading scorer (16.1 per game) and rebounder (7.6) last season. Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic

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By David Jablonski, Staff Writer 11:54 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — A year ago, the Wittenberg women’s basketball team knew how to put itself in position to win games. All it lacked, so many times, was the finishing touch to do so.

In its last game of the 2008-09 season, Wittenberg led Ohio Wesleyan by 17 points at halftime, only to lose by six. Eight of Wittenberg’s 12 losses came by eight points or less.

One of the team’s main goals entering the season opener today, Nov. 20, against Robert Morris at the Hope College Tip-Off Tournament is to improve its play in the final minutes of close games.

“We have a lot of experience losing the close ones and not being able to finish it off,” senior wing Carrie Dyer said. “Hopefully, we can change it around this year.”

Most of the players who experienced the disappointment of those close losses in a 14-12 season return. Dyer was the team’s second-leading scorer with 8.1 points per game.

Also returning is the leading scorer and rebounder, 5-foot-11 senior post Stephanie Boardman. She averaged 16.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in her first season as the Tigers’ go-to player.

“I feel a little more comfortable compared to last year,” Boardman said. “Last year was uncharted territory for me. I didn’t know what to expect.”

Alongside Boardman and Dyer, junior Katherine Heuter will start at the wing, and sophomore Sarah Watson will start at the post. Sophomore Allie Leopard, an Urbana High School graduate, and senior Elise Jenkins will split time at point guard.

“I think the core group has been working super hard,” coach Sarah Jurewicz said. “Our outside shooting has improved. Our shooting off the dribble has improved. Our driving to the basket is as good as it has been. And then we’ve got options with our back to the basket. So I feel like we’re more versatile.”

Wittenberg’s early-season schedule is a tough one. On Saturday, it plays No. 3-ranked Hope. Then its visits No. 22 Capital on Tuesday. On Nov. 28, it hosts Cedarville, ranked 11th in NAIA Division II, in the first meeting between the two schools.

“This team is ready for a test,” Jurewicz said. “I really feel this team doesn’t back down from a challenge. I’ve seen what they’ve done with the things I’ve challenged them with. I’ve seen how tough they can be.”

2009-10 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent, Time

Today vs. Robert Morris, 6 p.m. #

Sat. at Hope, 3 #

Tue. at Capital, 7:30

Nov. 28 CEDARVILLE, 7

Dec. 5 at Wooster, 2*

Dec. 12 at Oberlin, 2*

Dec. 19 at Thomas More, 1

Dec. 29 GROVE CITY, 2:15**

Dec. 30 Consolation/Finals noon/4:30**

Jan. 2 OHIO NORTHERN, 3