Feb. 23, 2008

Fort Wayne, IN-Senior Johnna Lewis-Carlisle scored 20 points to lead all scorers at the Memorial Coliseum, but it wasn't enough to top Western Illinois. The Mastodons fell, 71-61 to the Westerwinds in league play.  The loss drops IPFW to 10-16 on the season, 7-8 in The Summit League.

IPFW and Western Illinois played a close game in the opening minutes, exchanging the lead four times early on.  The `Dons took their final lead of the game, 18-17 with 7:58 remaining in the first half, on an easy lay in by sophomore Samantha Edwards. WIU junior Katy Davenport answered within seconds, leading an 11-0 Westerwind run. The `Dons were unable to recover, trailing 35-26 at halftime.

The `Dons continued to flounder early in the second half, but surged midway through the half with an 8-0 run.  The IPFW charge was rounded out by Edwards, who knocked in a pair of free throws with 10:51 to go to bring IPFW within three of Western Illinois, 47-44.  Again, it was Davenport who immediately answered, burying a jumper that put the Westerwinds out of reach for good.

Davenport led Western Illinois with 18, shooting 70% from the floor.  Fellow Westerwinds, Gina Hugelier and Jordon O'Brien finished in double figures, with 12 and 13 points respectively.  Senior Stephanie Lovingood grabbed 8 boards, while chipping in 2 steals and a block to lead WIU defensively.

For the `Dons, Lewis-Carlisle added 5 assists and 2 steals to her 20 points.  Edwards ended the afternoon with a team-high 5 rebounds, as well as 13 points.

Freshman, Jordan Zuppe chipped in 10 points, 3 assists, and 4 steals.

Chelsey Jackson and Natalie Roberts each contributed 7 points to the Mastodon effort.

IPFW (10-16, 7-8) will host Summit League opponent IUPUI (13-15, 9-7) at the Gates Center on Monday, February 25, to complete their home schedule.  Seniors Johnna Lewis-Carlisle, Natalie Roberts, and Juliane Hohne will be honored during the pre-game. Tip off is 7:00PM.