With two double-digit victories to close out conference play, the women’s basketball team improved its chances of making the national tournament.
But Loyola did not receive a vote in the final national poll, which was released Tuesday. The team received one vote each of the past two weeks.
“I don’t have an answer as to why we’re not (getting votes),” coach DoBee Plaisance said. “Teams that were ahead of us lost last week. But we stand at 30th in the country in the (record) rankings, and they take 32 teams.”
The Wolfpack broke the school record for most wins in a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference season when it secured its ninth win last Thursday on the road against LSU-Shreveport, 60-44.
Criminal justice sophomore Dani Holland racked up her tenth double-double (12 points and 15 rebounds) in the win.
In the home finale last Saturday, Loyola defeated Tougaloo 75-56. The ‘Pack had a 30-point lead with three minutes to go.
General studies freshman Kiely Schork led the team with 17 points, including five three-pointers. On the season, Schork has 110 three-pointers, which is a GCAC record.
Finance freshman Marjorie Bilinski had 14 points in both games.
The ‘Pack finished the season with an overall record of 19-10 and a conference record of 10-8, good for a tie for third with Mobile. In the preseason, Loyola was picked to finish ninth in the ten-team GCAC.
Without national votes in the rankings, the team will have to sway the national tournament committee to select it as part of the 32-team national tournament field with a strong performance in this week’s GCAC tournament.
“We can control our own destiny by staying focused and by doing what we’ve done all season,” Plaisance said.
By virtue of beating Dillard once, Mobile is the third seed in the tournament; Loyola is fourth and played SUNO in the quarterfinals last night.
With a win, the ‘Pack plays in the quarterfinals tonight. The title game is scheduled for tomorrow night. A tournament victory gives the team an automatic bid. Otherwise, it’s up to the selection committee.
Plaisance said that one more win gives the team a good chance because the committee has to consider all 20-win teams.
This season was a complete turnaround for the ‘Pack. Last season, Loyola averaged 56 points per game, 15 points below their opponents’ average of 71. The ‘Pack finished 4-27. This season, the ‘Pack averaged 66 points per game, eight points above their opponents’ average of 58.
Plaisance attributes the season’s success to the team’s defense.
“We have the ability to change our approach from game to game,” said Plaisance. “There are so many leaders on this team.”
