The Webster University women's basketball team won its 18th game of the season, defeating MacMurray College, 106-61, on February 15 at Grant Gymnasium. The 18 wins is the third highest single season total in program history, trailing only 21 wins in 2004-05 and 25 in 2001-02. It is the highest win total in head coach Jordan Olufson's nine years at the helm.
Webster galloped to a 16-3 lead in the game's first four minutes as the Gorlok pressure defense created fits for the Highlanders. Three straight Webster steals in the MacMurray end, and resulting lay ups, gave the Gorloks a 33-8 lead at the 1:50 mark in the first period. Webster ended the period up, 39-10. The Gorloks kept the squeeze on in the second period, winding up with a 69-22 lead at the half.
The Gorloks forced 25 turnovers, 20 steals, and 20 assists in the half. Webster shot 57.1% (28-49) as Aley Lucas (JR, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan) had 11 points and Kelsey Miller (JR, Elizabeth, IN/South Central) had 10 points. Jaysea Morgan (FR, Fisk, MO/Twin Rivers) had 10 points and Kaitlin Snyder (SR, Maroa, IL/Maroa-Forsyth) had nine points and a team-high five steals off the bench. Megan Brandt (SO, Sullivan, MO/Sullivan) had a team-high six rebounds.
The Gorloks led 89-47 to start the fourth period, as the Webster reserves took over. All 16 available players saw action with 14 getting in the scoring column. The 106 points tied the team record of 106, set twice earlier this season vs. Robert Morris-Springfield and MacMurray. The team's 32 assists was the second highest in a single game for Webster. The 43 baskets by the Gorloks was the second highest in a single game, exceeded only by 47 in a game vs. Principia in 2004. The 69 first half points was the most in a half in team history, beating the 63 scored in the second half Robert Morris-Springfield earlier this season.
The Gorloks continue to be near the top in national NCAA III statistics. Webster is second in forced turnovers per game (32.09), second in steals (17.65), fifth in assists (18.5), 12th in scoring offense (78.1), and 12th in free throw percentage (76.1%).
Miller, Snyder, and Morgan all finished with 12 points, with Snyder adding adding a team-high five steals and Morgan a team-high seven rebounds. Aley Lucas finished with 11 points on the evening, and added five assists. Ebony Bailey (JR, Dolton, IL/Seton Academy) had a team-high six assists.
Webster is now 10-5 in the SLIAC, tied for third place. The Gorloks have already clinched a spot in the SLIAC post-season tournament, with whether they are either a third or fourth seed in the tournament to be determined. It was the fourth straight win for the Gorloks. Webster is 18-6 overall on the season.
Webster concludes regular season play, hosting Fontbonne University on Senior Day, February 18. Five seniors will suit up for a final time at Grant Gym on that day.
