By Allison Foster

Staff Writer

Feb. 22 marked the last game of the season for the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College basketball team.

SMWC played Robert Morris, ranked sixth in the USCAA and 2010 Women’s National Basketball Champions.

The Pomeroys shot 70 percent from the 3-point line and tallied up 25 assists for the game for an 87-67 victory.

It wasn’t enough to send the Pomeroys to nationals this year. But the hard work work they put in on and off the court  has given them the opportunity to become closer as a family, said team members.

“We are all disappointed we fell short of the national tournament, but lessons come hard sometimes,” said Head Coach Deanna Bradley.  “Basketball is a very long season, and we know every game is critical when you are fighting for a position in the tournament.”

On Feb. 17, the Pomeroys played Spalding University for a tough loss. The score was constantly back and forth between SMWC and Spalding but in the end came up short with a final score of 43-53.

“Spalding has always been a good rivalry for us,” said Brittney Shaner, sophomore.  “They always come ready to play.”
On Feb. 12,the Pomeroys took on University of Cincinnati-Clermont. It was an important game for the Pomeroys since they were celebrating senior players Abby McKee and Brooke Brown .

Hours before the game started, the Pomeroys decorated the Community Recreation Center with balloons and signs that said “Congratulations!” and “Go Abby and Brooke!”

There were more than 60 people in attendance for this game to help celebrate all of McKee’s and Brown’s hard work and dedication to the team.

“The team put a lot of effort into everything and it just made everything very special,” said McKee.
The Pomeroys began the game with two points from freshman Jordan Barton and a 3-pointer from junior Chelsey Barron.
UC-Clermont caught the lead in the first half with a score of 20-25 with 7:52 left.

Bradley called for a quick timeout and gave the team a pep talk to help them get back in the game.  The first half ended with a score of 35-38.

With only 50 seconds left in the game, Brown caught herself in a scramble with an opposing team player and suffered a dislocated finger. But she did not let it stop her. She had the finger put back into place, and went back into the game.

“You cannot replace people like Brooke and Abby…,”  said Bradley.  “They have given so much of themselves to almost every possible avenue on this campus and they will be missed.”

The Pomeroys were victorious and came out with the win with a final score of 81-79.

After the game, the team celebrated with cake and ice cream, and gifts for Brown and McKee.