Greyhounds Clinch 16th Straight Postseason Appearance with Win over Goucher
February 8, 2017

Greyhounds Clinch 16th Straight Postseason Appearance with Win over Goucher

BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College women’s basketball team won its sixth straight game with a 78-66 victory over visiting Goucher College in Landmark Conference action in Johnston Hall Wednesday evening, and with the win, the Greyhounds have clinched a berth in the 2017 Landmark Conference Tournament that begins on February 22.

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BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College women's basketball team won its sixth straight game with a 78-66 victory over visiting Goucher College in Landmark Conference action in Johnston Hall Wednesday evening, and with the win, the Greyhounds have clinched a berth in the 2017 Landmark Conference Tournament that begins on February 22.

Moravian, which is ranked seventh in the first NCAA Division III Regional Rankings announced earlier on Wednesday, improves to 17-5 overall and 9-2 in Landmark Conference play with the Blue and Grey sitting in second place in the conference standings. Head Coach Mary Beth Spirk has the Greyhounds heading to the postseason for the 16th straight season and the 27th time in her 30 seasons leading the program.

"It is a great accomplishment to get into the postseason," commented Spirk. "It is exciting to be in this position not only clinching a playoff berth but now we have an opportunity to maybe get a home game. I couldn't be more excited for the players. We've worked hard and have ourselves in a really good position."

Moravian had four players in double figures led by senior forward Camille McPherson, who had 27 points to go with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. McPherson became the seventh player in school history to reach 500 points in a single season, and her 526 points this winter rank as the seventh best single season in Moravian's record book.

Freshman guard Maddie Capuano tossed in 14 points with four boards and three steals while senior guard Morgan Calabrese and freshman guard Karlie Brogan each had 11 points. Brogan finished with five rebounds, two steals and a pair of blocked shots while Calabrese dished out eight assists while grabbing two boards.

Freshman center Nadine Ewald led the Greyhounds with 11 rebounds to help the Blue and Grey post a 51-44 edge on the glass, and Ewald also blocked three shots to go with five points. Sophomore forward Ariana Caiati contributed six points; four rebounds and a pair of assists while junior center Ciara Stewart had four points and two boards. Junior forward Trista Cunningham was held off the scoreboard but grabbed nine boards for the Hounds.

"Camille has been steady and consistent all year with another 27 tonight," stated Spirk. "Morgan has really been playing well, and I thought Ariana gave us a lift off of the bench. Maddie and Karlie have been steady as well. They do some things as freshmen that we need to do better but they came up with big plays. That is what it is going to take the rest of the year. We're going to have to get contributions from a lot of people. I'm very pleased with how we're playing now."

The Gophers scored the first four points of the game before McPherson got Moravian on the scoreboard with 7:18 left in the first quarter. Calabrese hit a lay-up to knot the score at 4-4 but Goucher moved back in front by four points, 8-4. The Greyhounds would not take a lead until McPherson connected on a three-pointer with 3:31 left in the period for an 11-10 edge. The Gophers moved back in front and McPherson hit on a three-point play as the Blue and Grey led 16-14. McPherson added a three-pointer in the final minute of the quarter to give Moravian the lead for good as the Greyhounds led 19-16 after 10 minutes of action.

Moravian held a three-point lead, 21-18; three minutes into the second quarter but the Hounds defense allowed just four points the rest of the period. Capuano hit on a three-point play to get push the Moravian lead to double digits in the final two minutes of the second quarter, and the Blue and Grey headed to the locker room with a 34-22 advantage.

The Greyhounds would maintain their lead in the third quarter with the Gophers closing within five points, 47-42 with 3:36 left in the period. Moravian finished on an 11-2 run to lead 58-44 after 30 minutes on the court.

Stewart helped extend the advantage to 20 points, 64-44, with 8:22 left to play but Goucher fought back and had the Moravian lead down to eight points, 70-62, before the Hounds hit six free throws late to seal the victory.

The Greyhounds are slated to play their final road game of the 2016-17 regular season on Saturday, February 11 when the squad heads to Juniata College for a Landmark Conference contest tipping off at 2:00 p.m. in Huntingdon.