By Daniel Schoettler
Correspondent
Former Whitewater Whippet put up a double-double against Hope College last week, which despite a late comeback, turned out to be the Warhawks’ last game of the season.
After an early Hope lead was extended up to 12 during the March 3 game, the Warhawks cut it down to seven twice in the second quarter as they trailed 41-32 at the half.
After a Tyra Smith three-pointer for Hope brought it back to 12 with 7:48 left in the third, Warhawk Malia Smith cut it down to five with back-to-back three-pointers. The Warhawks cut the Hope lead to four several times in the fourth quarter before former Whitewater Whippet Brooke Trewyn cut it to three on a free throw.
Hope extended the lead back to eight as they salted the game away with free throws before Warhawk Olivia Freckmann hit a jumper to make it 77-71. Hope extended the lead to 78-71, which ended up being the final score.
“Hope is a very good team with great quickness and depth,” head coach Keri Carollo said. “I thought we handled their pressure very well, but did not respond well to their quickness and speed.”
Trewyn led the Warhawks with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Smith had 19 points. Freckmann had a double-double as well with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Warhawks felt adversity all year losing three players to ACL injuries. Two of those were in preseason before losing junior Andrea Meinert in the first game of conference play.
“I am very pleased with how this team dealt with many adverse situations including injuries and illnesses,” Carollo said. “They are a very resilient group and never made excuses.”
Trewyn led the way with 411 points on the season and averaged 15.2 points per game. Trewyn was also led the Warhawks in assists with 168. Freckmann was the leading rebounder with 192.
“Brooke had a great junior year and I believe with all things going right should be a candidate for player of the year next season,” Carollo said. “She was a great teammate and really had the best interest of the team on her mind.
“Our goal every year is to win a national championship, and that will not change as long as I am the head coach.”
The Warhawks ended their season at 22-6 in the second round of the NCAA tournament. The team has made it to NCAA tournament nine times in the last 10 years, and won their first conference tournament title this year.
