Lincoln Plews
Sports Staff Writer
Scots center Jessica Wingen ’13 recorded four blocks in this past Wednesday’s game against Ohio Wesleyan University to take the College’s all-time career blocks record, but the Scots still fell to the Battling Bishops by a score of 76-62. The Scots now stand at 6-12 on the season (1-8 NCAC).
The game against OWU was much more highly contested than the final score would imply. The Battling Bishops jumped out to an early 9-2 lead four minutes into the game, but the Scots battled back and ended the first half down by just four with a score of 27-31.
Wingen’s record-breaking block and the Scot’s first lead both came about five minutes into the second half, when Wingen sent away a layup attempt by OWU guard Sarah McQuade. The Scots rebounded the ball, and on the ensuing possession McLauren Hancher ’16 put in a quick layup to push Wooster ahead to a 42-40 lead.
The game went back and forth until about three minutes were left in the second half. With the score tied 60-60, Ohio Wesleyan made three pointers on back-to-back possessions to quickly jump out to a 66-60 lead with 1:50 to play. After failing to score on the ensuing possession, Wooster was forced to try to prolong the game by fouling.
Unfortunately McQuade was dead on from the free throw line in the game’s closing minutes going 10 for 12 in the final 1:25 and securing her team the win by a score of 62-76.
Wingen recorded her 159th career block, surpassing the former record holder Kirsten Rice ’03 by one block. With at least seven more games left on the schedule, she is sure to add to her total before the season is over.
“Having a record at Wooster means a lot in any respect, but shot blocking is one of my favorite things in basketball, so that makes this record mean that much more to me,” said Wingen.
When asked if she knew about the record going into the OWU game, Wingen replied, “I knew I was close going into the OWU game, but it wasn’t something that I was focusing on. I was just focusing on being in good defensive position and everything fell into place.”
All seven of the Scot’s remaining games are against conference opponents. With better play from here on out, Wooster could still make the conference tournament in late February.
“Since the beginning of the season one of our goals has been to make the conference tournament, said Wingen. “We have some very winnable games coming up, so playing tough defense and executing our offense will be important.”