Despite leaving the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament due to a loss against Emmanuel College, the women’s basketball team is headed to the national championship.
For the start of the SSAC tournament, the Ladypack played against Emmanuel College on March 1 in Rome, Ga. Loyola was in the lead for the first half. The score remained neck-and-neck until the clock ran to zero. By the end, Emmanuel College came home with the win, outscoring Loyola by just two points and ending the game at a close 52-54.
Sociology and criminal justice senior captain Kieva Council scored the highest in the game with 17 points.
“I know I’m not alone in feeling that we came up short during the tournament,” Council said. “For me, it was a long bus ride home. I had nothing but time to reflect on the game, and I did, over and over again.”
The accomplishments leading up to the tournament were record-breaking for the ‘Pack. The team went from being a dark horse to one of the top-ranked teams in the NAIA. Compared to last season, both the national ranking and record for this season have improved.
“I feel my team is the best team in this league, but we just have not been able to prove it yet,” Council said.
The loss to Emmanuel dropped the team’s record to 23-5 for the season but still leaves them ranked 23rd. With a bid into the national tournament, players said they are happy to continue their season.
“I’m trying to put the events of the conference tournament behind me. My hope now is that we redeem ourselves in the national tournament in an unforgettable way,” Council said. “We just have to remember to take it one game at a time because it could very well be the last one we play. All in all, the conference tournament was a reality check.”
The team recieved a bid into the national championship March 7. The 32nd Annual Division I Basketball National Championship will take place in Frankfurt, KY. Biology freshman Callie McNally was ecstatic when she heard the news.
“I am extremely excited that our team’s hard work during the season has paid off,” McNally said. “Now we get a chance to compete for a national title.”
Kellie Kennedy, head coach, looks forward to the trip to Kentucky.
“I’m really glad we have this opportunity,” Kennedy said. “We had an at large bid which I think is commendable.”
Loyola is one of 32 teams from across the country that will participate in the championship starting March 14.
“Anything can happen at nationals,” Kennedy said. “I think our group is ready to win, and we deserve to be there.”
Cami Thomas can be reached at
