Dallas Women’s Basketball Lose in NEAC Tournament Finals

The UD women's basketball team lost in the final game of the North Eastern Athletic Conference tournament on Sunday, February 28 by the final score of 78-80. After falling behind early 24-3, Dallas responded by shooting 50% in the second half forcing 7 lead changes; but ultimately fell short in their comeback attempt.

Freshman guard Kylie Yoshimura (Temple City, CA/Mark Keppel H.S.) led the squad in both points and assists converting 8 of her 14 shots for 21 points while dishing out 7 assists. Yoshimura shot 8-14 from the field, including 4-5 beyond the arc. Her 3 pointer with only 14 seconds remaining in the game put the Crusaders within 1 and the gave the team an opportunity to tie when they received the ball again with 5 ticks left in regulation. Junior forward Cara Sczepanski (Highland Village, TX/Marcus H.S.) turned in her seventeenth double-double of the year with a team high 10 rebounds and 16 total points. Her 16 points leaves her only 21 points short of the school's scoring record.

Freshman guard Christina Kurt (Katy, TX/Faith West Academy) turned in her season best performance, recording 20 points. Junior forward/center Joirdan Cole (Plano, TX/Bishop Lynch H.S.) set the tone defensively, tallying a team high 5 blocks and 9 defensive rebounds. Her 14 points were also good for 4th on the team.

With the loss the Lady Crusaders will conclude their 2009-2010 campaign on a high note, having reached the NEAC Tournament championship game while winning 15 games en route. UD will not have to say good bye to any of its members to graduation either, as there are no seniors on the young squad.