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Ashland University Women’s Basketball Eyes Strong Finish to Season

ByCoach

The Ashland University women’s basketball team is once again proving to be a force to be reckoned with as they gear up for another exciting finish to their season.

Currently riding an impressive 11-game winning streak, the Eagles have demonstrated a unique blend of defensive prowess and disciplined play that has set them apart in the NCAA Division II landscape.

With a record of 17-3 and a strong standing in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), the team is poised for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

This blog post delves into the key factors behind their success, the standout players, and what lies ahead for the Eagles.

Defensive Dominance

The Eagles have shifted from their traditional offensive focus to a more defense-oriented strategy under the leadership of seventh-year head coach Kari Pickens.

This season, they rank fifth in all of Division II in scoring defense, allowing just 50.8 points per game. Pickens attributes this success to the team’s discipline and ability to minimize mistakes on the defensive end.

Key Defensive Strategies

The Eagles have excelled in:

  • Eliminating inside-out 3-pointers
  • Preventing easy buckets near the rim
  • Forcing opponents to earn their shots

This approach has paid off, as the team has held opponents to 60 or fewer points in 16 of their first 20 games and has yet to allow a team to score 70 points against them.

Balanced Offensive Contributions

While defense has been the cornerstone of their success, the Eagles have also seen contributions from a variety of players on the offensive end.

Unlike previous seasons where standout scorers dominated, this year’s team has adopted a win-by-committee approach.

Notable Offensive Performances

Only three players have scored 20 or more points in a game this season:

  • Zoe Miller
  • Lydia Sweeney
  • Hayley Smith

However, the team has had nine players averaging at least 4.1 points per game and 10 players averaging at least 9.5 minutes per game. This depth has allowed Pickens to mix and match personnel effectively, keeping the team fresh and competitive.

Standout Players

Several players have made significant contributions to the Eagles’ success this season.

Senior forward Hayley Smith has been a key player, especially on the boards. Smith ranks fifth in AU history in rebounds and is on pace for one of the best rebounding seasons in program history.

Freshman Impact

Freshman guard Corri Vermilya has also shown promise. Despite fluctuating playing time, Vermilya has demonstrated her versatility and potential. In her lone collegiate start against Ursuline, she recorded 13 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 22 minutes.

Conference Dominance

Since joining the G-MAC, the Eagles have been dominant, boasting a 70-2 record in regular-season games and an 8-0 record in the G-MAC Tournament.

This season, they are in a tight race for first place with Malone, who currently holds a half-game lead in the standings.

Upcoming Key Matchups

The Eagles will face Malone twice in February, games that could determine the conference champion. Pickens acknowledges the challenge ahead, noting Malone’s mental and physical toughness.

Home Court Advantage

Ashland’s success is also attributed to their strong performance at home.

The Eagles are riding a 22-game winning streak at Kates Gymnasium and have a remarkable 44-1 home record over their last 45 games.

Coach Pickens’ Home Record

Under Pickens’ leadership, the team has an impressive home record of 101-5. This home-court advantage will be crucial as they aim to host the G-MAC Tournament and potentially their NCAA regional games.

Looking Ahead

As the Eagles prepare for the final stretch of the season, their focus will be on maintaining their defensive intensity while continuing to develop their offensive game.

With a strong finish, they hope to secure their 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and make another deep run.

Potential Tournament Scenarios

The final three rounds of this year’s Division II tournament will be held in Pittsburgh. The Elite Eight, Final Four, and national championship games are scheduled for late March.

A strong finish in the regular season and conference tournament could position the Eagles as hosts for their regional games, giving them a significant advantage.

For more detailed insights and updates on the Ashland University women’s basketball team, you can read the full article on Ashland Source.

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