Box Score The Webster University women lost the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in a heartbreaker, falling to host Spalding University, 60-58, on March 1 in Louisville, KY. The Gorloks led at the half and had a lead with less than two minutes remaining in the contest, but couldn't hang on as the Golden Eagles snatched the crown.
Webster was ahead by 10, with 10:49 left in the second half. Over the next two minutes, Spalding went on a 9-0 run to cut the Webster lead to one. The teams traded baskets and the lead until a three-pointer by freshman Elisha Cobbs (Bellevue, NE/Bellevue West HS) and a pair of free throws by senior Courtney Pursley (Lonedell, MO/St. Clair HS) put the Gorloks on top, 57-53, with 1:44 to play.
Spalding would score seven unanswered points over the next 1:20 to take a 60-57 lead with 24 seconds remaining. The Gorloks managed only one shot of their own during the run, a short jumper by senior Kaliann Rikard (Cuba, MO/Cuba HS) that rattled in and out.
After a Rikard free-throw made it a two-point deficit with :16 left on the clock, Webster had one more chance after a pair of missed free throws by Spalding at :12. But the Gorloks last shot was blocked by Spalding forward Jessica Guy and the Golden Eagles sealed the victory. Webster played the final 4:46 of the game without center Cassie Endicott (JR, Bethalto, IL/Civic Memorial HS) who had fouled out.
Pursley finished her outstanding career at Webster, scoring 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The nine rebounds gave her a record-breaking single season total of 259, eclipsing the previous mark held by Mikki McCune (258), set in 1995. Her 610 career rebounds ranks fifth all-time high for Webster.
Endicott had 13 points, five rebounds, and seven blocked shots while she was in the game. The blocks added on to her Webster record single season (79) and career (168) totals set earlier this season.
Rikard had 11 points and two assists on the afternoon. She finished her distinguished career with a Webster single season record 124 assists and third in all-time assists with 301.
Pursley and Rikard were named to the SLIAC All-Tournament Team.
Spalding's Guy, the Tournament MVP, was a one-woman wrecking crew for the Golden Eagles, scoring 23 points, pulling down 24 rebounds, and blocking five shots.
Webster finishes the season with a 17-10 record.
