Lady Archers defeated in second game of NJCAA National tournament
By: Spencer Gleason
Sports Editor
The 2011-2012 Lady Archer basketball season has come to an end, as they lost their second and final game in the NJCAA Tournament, 60-54, to the Chesapeake Skipjacks.
The historic run for the first Lady Archer basketball team finishes with a 20-8 regular season record, a Regions XVI Championship and an appearance in the NJCAA Tournament.
The Lady Archers were able to hang on to the lead until the 9:02 mark, when the ‘Jacks took the lead, 14-13, never looking back in the first half.
Entering half time, down 33-27, the Lady Archers looked for a spark in the second half.
“[I’d tell them] three things during half time,” Rick Maclin, father of Lady Archers’ center, Lauren Maclin, said. “Rebounds, turnovers and shot selections.”
The turnovers proved to be costly, as the Archers had 28 total.
“We were 15 for 28 from the free throw line,” Shelly Ethridge, Lady Archer head coach said. “We had 28 turnovers [too]. It’s really difficult to win any game- regardless of a national tournament game- when you shoot like that and when you turn the ball over like that.”
The Archers made their free throws early, but missed when the game was on the line.
“I attribute both [losses] to our lack of experience and our youthfulness,” Ethridge said.
With 12 returning freshman on the roster, the Lady Archers look to return to the NJCAA Tournament next season.
“It sure does [make me excited],” Ethridge said. “I’m glad that they got to experience this national tournament this year. I hope that they recognize what [needs to be done], so that we can come here again next year and actually win a game or two.”
