Lady Blue Jays Close Out Regular Season With a Win Over Spalding

The Westminster women’s basketball team closed out their regular season play with a 56-53 win over Spalding University on Saturday, February 22. The Blue Jays will head into the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Tournament in the 4th slot with a 11-7 conference record and a 13-11 overall record.

The Westminster Blue Jays had a slow first minutes to the game, but a 14-0 run put them up 14-5 with 12:51 left in the first half. The Blue Jays held a steady 10 point lead throughout the first half, but the Spalding Golden Eagles scored five unanswered points to bring them within five, 28-23, heading into halftime.

The Golden Eagles hit the court and scored a jump shot and two free throws to bring them within one point just 1:35 into the second half. Freshman Andrea Zalis scored a jumper, followed by a layup to put the Blue Jays back up and bring the score to 32-27. The Blue Jays held the lead, but with 7:28 left in the game, Spalding hit two shots to take the lead.

Sophomore Mackenzie Haddox quickly made a jumper to take back the lead, but the Golden Eagles headed down the court and scored another. The Blue Jays claimed the lead again at the 5 minute mark. The Golden Eagles kept the game close, but Zalis went 4-4 from the foul line in the final two minutes to hold onto the lead. With 7 seconds remaining on the clock and the ball in Spalding’s possession, they went up for a three-pointer to tie the game. Senior Leigh Ann Lutz pulled through with the block and rebound to ensure the Blue Jays’ 56-53 win.

The Blue Jays shot 34 percent and three Blue Jays scored double digits. Lutz scored 13 in the win and grabbed 8 boards 3 assists and 2 blocks. Haddox put in 12 points and 3 assists. Zalis went 6-6 from the foul line, adding in 10 points and 4 rebounds to the win. Junior Danielle Williams finished the afternoon with 6 boards.

The Lady Blue Jays will head to the SLIAC Tournament this week. The Tournament will be held at Spalding University in Louisville, Ky. The Blue Jays will first face Spalding, the number one team in the tournament, at 8:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February 28.