Leathernecks end season with 67-39 loss to Jackrabbits

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The Fighting Leatherneck women's basketball team fell to South Dakota State, 67-39, in the conference semifinals on Monday, March 8 at the Sioux Falls Center.

The Jackrabbits (21-10) started the contest by jumping out to a 17-6 lead before an Anne Borgertpoepping basket brought the game within nine (17-8) at the 13:58 mark. South Dakota State then went on an 11-5 run to take a 28-13 lead at the 6:55 mark, but Western (11-20) responded with a 13-7 run capped by an Anneloes Kodde three-point basket with 21 seconds left in the half, bringing the game within nine (35-26). The Jackrabbits connected on two free throws with 13 second left to take a 37-26 lead into the locker room.

After giving up 30 points through the first 13:43 of the first half, Western's defense only allowed seven points in the closing six minutes of the half. Both teams shot well from the charity stripe in the first stanza as South Dakota State went 10-for-10 while Western was 2-for-3.

The Jackrabbits started the second half on a 10-1 run before Jordon O'Brien hit a shot at the 13:52 mark to bring the game within 16 (47-29). South Dakota State then went on a 20-5 run, taking their largest lead (67-34) at the 3:19 mark. Western would only score five more points in the remaining minutes as the Jackrabbits wont the contest, 67-39, to advance to the championship game.

Erica Lewis paced the Western offense with 11 points while O'Brien added seven. Borgertpoepping and Michele Salvatori both chipped in six. The Leathernecks shot 34 percent from the floor (16-for-47) while South Dakota State shot 43.6 percent from the floor (24-for-55).

The Jackrabbits won the battle on the glass, out rebounding Western by 17 (36-29). O'Brien led the team with six rebounds while Ashley Lord added five. South Dakota State took advantage of 24 Leatherneck turnovers, scoring 26 points off of Western's miscues.

The Leathernecks close out the season with an 11-20 overall record. The contest was the final game for seniors O'Brien and Lord.

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Players Mentioned

#24 Jordon O'Brien: G; 5' 9"; Senior

#14 Anneloes Kodde: F; 6' 0"; Junior

#33 Anne Borgertpoepping: G; 5' 7"; Junior

#5 Erica Lewis: G/F; 5' 8"; Junior

#25 Michele Salvatori: G/F; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#24 Jordon O'Brien
: 5' 9"; Senior
: G

#14 Anneloes Kodde
: 6' 0"; Junior
: F

#33 Anne Borgertpoepping
: 5' 7"; Junior
: G

#5 Erica Lewis
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G/F

#25 Michele Salvatori
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: G/F