TIFFIN – Sophomore Ashley Andracki had the best game of her young career as the Wilmington College women's basketball team posted the 75-68 victory over Heidelberg Saturday in Ohio Athletic Conference action at Seiberling Gymnasium.
The guard had her imprints all over a 21-3 run that enabled Wilmington to take a 17-point first-half lead. She had four of her five assists and a three-pointer in the pivotal stretch. While it was her offense in the first half that was a sparked plug, an offensive rebound in the second half could have been the biggest play of the game.
"Ashley played exceptionally well today," said Wilmington head coach Jerry Scheve. "It was certainly the best game of her career. Not only did she add offense, but she drew the assignment of guarding (OAC second leading scorer) Kathleen Phillips with Courtney Tucker unavailable. Phillips was able to get her points, but Ashley did a great job of controlling her. She is getting more confident and I am getting more confidence in her."
Heidelberg was at what would be the end of a 17-7 run that cut the WC advantage to four points when the board gave Wilmington an extra possession with 1:07 remaining. While the possession didn't result into immediate points, it slowed the momentum down just enough. The Fightin' Quakers would seal the victory by hitting five-of-six from the free throw line in the game's final minute.
Andracki (Columbus, OH/Bishop Watterson) finished with six points and career highs in rebounds (six) and assists (five).
The 17-7 run at the end of the game wasn't the only time the home team made a run at the Fightin' Quakers. Heidelberg started the second half by scoring 13 of the first 16 points, cutting a 17-point halftime lead to seven.
However, Wilmington answered by scoring nine of the next 11 to rebuilt its cushion.
"Every time they made a run, we were able to answer," said Scheve. "Overall we played well. We did some things really well, and with the exception of the turnovers, we had a stellar game."
Senior Haley Howard (Uhrichsville, OH/New Philadelphia) led a trio of double figure scorers with 17 points and five assists. Freshman Hannah Haeseker (Germantown, OH/Valley View) added 13 points and five rebounds, while senior Makenzie Wippel (Orient, OH/Westfall) recorded 12 points and five rebounds.
Wilmington (11-8 overall, 8-4 OAC) hosts Capital 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fred Raizk Arena in Hermann Court. The Crusaders recorded the 68-59 win earlier this season at the Capital Center.