Mount Women Look to Make History in First Four Matchup
Last year we saw sports played in a different way. Fans were not in attendance for the Olympics, regular season games, and postseason championships. That includes the NEC women’s championship. The Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers women’s team won the title last year and was a part of the NCAA Tournament. It just didn’t feel the same. That’s what made this past Sunday and tonight even more special.
This team set out with a goal of winning the title again in front of fans, friends, and family. On Sunday, they completed this goal with a dominant performance over Bryant. They are back-to-back conference champions.
This year is different for the women. The NCAA Tournament is allowed to officially use the “March Madness” slogan and will have a field of 68 for the first time. The Mountaineers will face the Longwood Lancers in the first ever First Four game in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
There is another reason why this will be a historic night, as it is Longwood’s first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Lancers will look to their duo of Kyla McMakin, who leads the Lancers in scoring, and Akila Smith, who leads the Lancers in rebounds and blocks to establish control early and get them a win in their first NCAA tournament game.
The Mountaineers will need a huge game from all-around star Kendall Bresee, who leads the Mount in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, and Michaela Harrison. These two seniors are the heart and soul of this team and I expect big things from them.
This will be an exciting and entertaining game. The Lancers have an edge statistically, but I’m going with my Alma Mater and the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers to win a close one and make history by winning the first ever NCAA Women’s Tournament First Four game and their first ever NCAA Tournament win.
Good luck with your brackets as the Men official tipped off today and the Women unofficially tip off tonight! Go Mount!
Featured Image Via: mountathletics.com
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