The UMBC women’s basketball team won their first postseason game on Thursday, March 17, after defeating Fairfield 61-49 in round one of the Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI) Tournament. UMBC came into the competition as the No. 3 seed, and Fairfield as No. 8.
It was a great evening for both Pandora Wilson ’17, health administration and public policy, and Taylor McCarley ’17, psychology. Wilson scored 26 points to ago along with eight rebounds and McCarley scored 18 points and six rebounds in the win, with UMBC Athletics noting, “she helped spark the run that distanced the Retrievers from the Stags.”
Prior to her impressive performance at Thursday’s game, Wilson said, “Playing in the WBI will give us the opportunity to end the season on a high note, leaving us with great hope for next season.”
Wilson has already earned a spot on the America East All-Conference Second Team and McCarley has garnered All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive Team honors.
Going into the tournament UMBC Director of Athletics Tim Hall shared, “I am excited for our women’s basketball student-athletes and coaching staff on their selection to the WBI. This honor speaks to the dedication they have had throughout this season.”
Head coach Phil Stern remarked, “I’m thrilled for our players and especially our seniors to continue our season.”
The WBI includes 16 NCAA Division 1 teams and is now in its seventh season. WBI Tournament selection was announced on Monday, March 14, and the final championship round of competition will conclude on Sunday, March 27, with all games being played on campus courts.
UMBC will face Youngstown State in the WBI quarterfinals on Saturday, March 20, with tip-off at 2 p.m. on the Youngstown campus in Ohio.
See the UMBC Women’s Basketball website for more details on the team and 2015-16 season, the UMBC Athletics’s “Postseason Bound” press release for general information on the Retrievers’ participation in the WBI Tournament, and the UMBC Athletics story on Thursday’s game for a full recap of the win over Fairfield.
Image: UMBC Women’s Basketball player Taylor McCarley, photo courtesy of UMBC Athletic Communications.
Tags: Athletics
