The University of Dallas women’s basketball team traveled to Colorado Springs for its final game of the 2017-2018 season, dropping its season final to the Colorado College Tigers 63-57.
The game was a tale of two halves. The Crusaders were up 18-9 at the end of the first quarter and maintained a lead through the half. However, the Tigers stormed back in the third quarter, where they outscored UD by 14 points. This quarter included a 13-0 run by the Tigers that flipped the momentum of the game.
Down by 6 going into the fourth quarter, the Crusaders attempted to regain the lead. They had a chance in the final minutes, but the Tigers were able to hold them off, connecting on several key free throws.
Ultimately, the Tigers’ 7 point advantage in turnovers came to be a crucial factor of the game. Senior forward Michelle DeCoud led the team with 19 points. She finishes her career as UD women’s all time leading shot blocker, with 134 stops.
Sophomore guard Celsi Caraway contributed 13 points. Senior forward Helen Onyenso finished with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
It was an emotional ending for the careers of the seniors, including DeCoud who shared her thoughts about the last few years.
“My favorite part is definitely all the friends I’ve made and all the fun times we spent together; even some of the not so fun times,” she said. “All the lessons I’ve learned from basketball are invaluable: time management, hard work, prioritizing obligations, honoring commitments. I can take those skills out into the real world and apply them to so many things. I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity.”
She added that she will miss traveling and competing in different parts of the country. UD basketball will surely miss DeCoud next year, as it will also miss fellow seniors Onyenso and Shelby Waldron. The Crusaders finished the season 9-16 overall and 3-11 in conference play.
They will surely look to improve that record next season, though they will have to seek replacements for the departing seniors.
