MADISON, WISC. - Looking to finish out one of the best regular season's in Madison College women's basketball history, the #5 WolfPack rolled to a 69-33 romp over visiting Harper College on Sophomore Day at Redsten Gym Saturday. The win assured the 'Pack of a second place finish in the North Central Community College Conference behind champion and #4 Rock Valley College, as well as a first round bye past the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region IV Tournament.

In honor of Sophomore Day, coach Jessica Pelzel altered the starting lineup to go with all second year players. The group got off to a slow start, making just two of their first seven shots and turning the ball over four times. Madison College (25-3, 9-3) eventually settled into a groove to build an 18-point lead at halftime, courtesy of a 16-4 run spanning the entire second quarter.

The momentum carried into the second half as a 23-9 differential in third quarter scoring extended the advantage over Harper College (4-23, 0-12) to as high as 34 points late in the quarter. The WolfPack converted ten of 15 shots in the quarter, part of a 45% effort from the field for the game. As they have done most of the season, Madison College owned the paint with a 36-16 edge in interior scoring, boosted by an 11-3 margin in second chance points. Also aiding the cause were 25 Hawks' turnovers that the 'Pack cashed in for 19 points as they led from start to finish in securing a tenth consecutive win in the series and a fourth straight regular season sweep.

Sophomore Jenna Endres hit three 3-pointers en route to a game-high 15 points, marking the 48th double-digit scoring total in 57 career games. Fellow sophomore Megan Petty was perfect on the day, going 6-for-6 to finish with a dozen points and five rebounds. Freshman Rachel Slaney came off the bench to produce 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Sophomore reserve Bri Hicks also reached double figures with ten points.

Prior to the game the eight-member sophomore class was honored for their commitment and dedication to the program.

"These sophomores are the heart of our team," Pelzel stated about a group that has collected a 47-10 record over two seasons. "These eight young ladies have put in blood, sweat, and tears to make the most of their opportunities. As they play their last regular season game here, our coaching staff would like to honor and say 'thank you' to them for all their hard work, and especially for their dedication to our program."

One of the highlights to the day was All-America guard Taylor Nelson entering the game in the final minutes for one final moment in front of the home fans. Unfortunately, Nelson, who has been battling a knee injury suffered one month ago, missed her lone attempt of the game on a three-point try from the left corner. Also from the sophomore class, Mandi Sargent had three points, four assists, and a team-leading nine rebounds as Madison College pulled down 20 more boards than the Hawks. Kaitlyn Kast dished out a team-high five assists, while Addison Hemming and Anna Bunyan each scored four points.
 

Madison College will enter the NJCAA Region IV Tournament as the number two seed and will await the winner of Wednesday's quarterfinal between third-seeded Joliet Junior College (15-12, 6-6) and sixth-seeded Harper. The WolfPack is a combined 4-0 against the two teams this season. The semifinal game will be played Friday, February 26 at Alverno College in Milwaukee at 1:00 p.m.