Eastern’s Women’s Basketball Team finished their season after their loss against DeSales on Wednesday, February 26th. Though the Eagles had swept the Bulldogs during the regular season, and earned a home advantage for the first round of playoffs, it was the Bulldogs who clinched the MAC Championship spot that night. However, a triumphant DeSales fell to undefeated FDU- Florham in the championship game.
With no seniors graduating this year, the Eagles have a lot of potential to look forward to in upcoming years. Though the ending of the season was less than satisfactory, the team is eager to put in the hard work that it will take to get even farther next season.
Meghan Nowak, 1,000 point scorer and 3rd year post player for the Eagles has a positive outlook. Nowak says, “We had our ups and downs, and times of struggle, but we always fought through it, which allowed us to host our first ever home playoff game. That was an awesome feeling and just shows the progress we have made over the year. Luckily, with no one graduating, we have all of the same opportunities next year.”
Junior shooting guard Kaitlyn Dougherty says, “It was such an amazing feeling to host because we could really feel the support from our school. I really enjoyed this season and love our team so I am so grateful that we’re not losing anyone. It has really sunk in that I’m going on my last season and I really want us to win a championship. That’s something that’s important to me for us to accomplish before I graduate.”
Junior guard Kaleigh Boreman is also looking forward toward next season. Boreman states, “I feel disappointed about the season…we had a lot of potential. But we move on and prepare for next year!”
Despite an upsetting end to a wonderful season, the Eagles have accomplished many things this year. The team boasts a 14-10 overall record, and a 9-5 conference record. Also, four members of the team are being recognized by the Freedom Conference for their achievements. Freshman post, Emily Lavin was named Freedom Conference Rookie of the Year. Lavin netted an average of 8.7 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, and 3.25 blocks. Nowak received First Team honors for the third year in a row, Dougherty was awarded Second Team honors, and junior guard Gina DiDomenico earned Honorable Mention.
With everyone returning next season, the Eagles should be a formidable presence in the Freedom Conference once again. Until then, the women will be training hard in the off season with next year’s championship in mind.