By Mitch Blankespoor
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College women's basketball team saw its season come to an end Saturday, Feb. 22 with a 72-57 loss to Calvin in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play.
Needing a win to secure a spot in the MIAA Tournament, Kalamazoo began the game on a 10-6 run capped off by a three-pointer from junior guard Emily Lindsay.
The Hornets held the lead until the 11:31 mark when Breanna Verkaik connected for three of her game-high 23 points. Calvin led 17-16.
Kalamazoo tied the game at 27 at the 3:43 mark of the first half on another Lindsay triple. Calvin, however, ended the half on a 10-2 run and took a 37-29 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Calvin's defensive pressure began to give K fits. The Hornets managed to score six points in the first 13 minutes of the second half. In that time, the Knights had scored 23 points and led by 25 points (60-35) which put the game away.
Junior Perri Nicholson turned in a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, both team highs. Senior India Hoskins and freshman Grace Smith tallied nine points each while senior Nicole Antoine and junior Emily Lindsay each had eight points.
"Nicole [Antoine] and India [Hoskins] helped us take a giant step forward as a program this season," Kalamazoo Head Coach Katie Miller said. "They wanted to leave this program knowing they made a difference. They absolutely did, and will definitely be missed."
Kalamazoo shot 39 percent for the game while Calvin shot 41 percent. Both teams connected on three triples. Perhaps the turning point of the game was turnovers. Kalamazoo committed 28 turnovers which Calvin converted into 36 points. The Knights also made 17 free throws compared to eight for Kalamazoo.
Despite the loss, Kalamazoo had one of its best seasons in recent memory. The Hornets finished their season with a 12-12 record including an 8-8 mark in conference play. Kalamazoo ended up in fifth place in the MIAA, its best finish since the 2002-03 season. Kalamazoo's 12 season wins is the most since the 2003-04 squad finished 14-13.
"I think we made some huge strides this season," Miller said. "Our players should be very proud of everything they accomplished."