Women’s basketball wins NESCAC, exits NCAA in third round

Posted : 28 March 2025

On March 2, following an impressive undefeated regular season, the women’s basketball team (29–1; 10–0 NESCAC) secured back-to-back NESCAC titles at Morrell Gymnasium. The championship match against Colby College (15–11; 7–3 NESCAC) was a hard-fought battle, with the Polar Bears overturning a deficit to claim a 62–59 victory. Despite trailing for most of the game, they mounted a comeback in the final moments. Bowdoin then entered the NCAA Division III Tournament as the top seed but saw their journey end in the third round against Smith College (31–3).

Head Coach Megan Phelps ’15 shared insights into the team’s mindset heading into the championship clash with Colby, having already defeated them twice during the regular season. She acknowledged the challenge of beating the same opponent three times but emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and executing under pressure. According to Phelps, the key to success was staying calm and handling the nerves rather than focusing solely on strategy.

Colby started strong, leading 20–17 at the end of the first quarter and extending their advantage to eight points in the second. By halftime, the Mules maintained control with a 38–32 lead. Their early dominance put the Polar Bears on the back foot, requiring a shift in approach for the second half.

Captain Sydney Jones ’25 reflected on the challenging start and the team’s adjustment after halftime. She noted that despite being pushed onto the defensive early, the break allowed the team to reassess and come out stronger. The Polar Bears responded in the third quarter, briefly taking a 41–40 lead before Colby countered with an 11-point run, reclaiming a 51–41 advantage heading into the final period.

Undeterred by the deficit, Bowdoin maintained belief in their ability to rally. Jones highlighted the team’s experience in overcoming adversity, stating that they had faced numerous situations throughout the season where they had to fight from behind. Their resilience shone through in the second half as they refused to let Colby’s momentum dictate the outcome.

Jones played a crucial role in sparking Bowdoin’s late surge, leading a 9–0 run that cut the deficit to just two points. In the closing moments, she delivered a game-changing defensive play and converted a crucial layup, giving the Polar Bears the lead. Phelps described Jones' clutch performance, particularly her and-one play with 48 seconds left, as an unforgettable moment that will be etched in her memory forever.

As the final buzzer sounded, Abbie Quinn ’27 reflected on the emotional triumph of securing the championship. She spoke about the team’s dedication and the electrifying support from fans at Morrell Gymnasium. Beyond the title, Bowdoin earned several individual accolades, with Jones receiving NESCAC Player of the Year and WBCA All-American honors—the first player in conference history to win consecutive NESCAC Player of the Year awards. Quinn made the All-NESCAC Second Team, while the coaching staff, led by Phelps, earned NESCAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors. Despite their NCAA Tournament exit, Jones expressed pride in the team’s achievements and cherished the lasting memories of her time at Bowdoin.

Women’s basketball wins NESCAC, exits NCAA in third round

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics