MACOMB, Ill. --  Western Illinois Women's Basketball had a hard fought battle on the road against Illinois State in the second round of the WNIT on Sunday afternoon. The Leathernecks came within two points in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell to the Redbirds, 80-90.  

The Leathernecks got off to a fast start in the first quarter, leading ISU 23-17 to head into the second. The scoring duo of and Mia Nicastro and Raegan McCowan, had 13 of WIU's 23 first quarter points. The Redbirds stormed back in the second quarter, outscoring the Leathernecks 17-26. 

Offensively, the Leathernecks were led by 30-point performance from sophomore Raegan McCowan, who also added seven rebounds in the game. Mia Nicastro added 14 points and five rebounds, going 6-11 from the field. Allie Meadows added another 12 points for the Leathernecks, as well as seven rebounds and three assists. 

WIU responded in the third quarter, outscoring ISU 19-18. Despite this push, the Redbirds held onto their lead into the fourth quarter and outscored the Leathernecks again, 20-27. The Leathernecks went 15-15 from the free throw line and trailed by as few as two in the fourth quarter, before ultimately falling to the Redbirds. WIU outrebounded ISU 36-28 on the afternoon, and outscored the Redbirds in points off the bench 8-0. 

The Leathernecks finish the 2024-2025 campaign with with a postseason appearance, a 17-17 overall record, and an OVC tournament semifinal appearance in their second season in the league.

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