In a nerve wrecking showdown on Friday night, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team secured a pivotal victory against Hope College, 72-61. This win sent the Warhawks to the Elite Eight, where they will face undefeated powerhouse, Transylvania College. The star of the night was none other than Aleah Grundahl, who not only showcased her scoring ability with a 25-point performance but also dominated the boards with an impressive nine rebounds, one shy of a triple double.
The energy in the Kachel Gym was incredible as fans gathered to witness the Warhawks make their fifth Elite Eight appearance. Amidst the sea of supporters, graduate assistant, Coach Jenna Stanton, shared her thoughts on the victory. “I think we showed a lot of determination out there today. Hope beat us in the National Championship back in 2022, so it feels good for these seniors to get that win back.”
Two students, Joy Holian and Zach Criter, supporters of the Warhawks, couldn’t contain their excitement to see this team secure a trip to the Elite Eight. Joy, a sophomore at UW-Whitewater and a transfer from Hope College, expressed, “I thought Whitewater looked far more efficient in many ways. I believe that Hope’s lack of a tough schedule kept them from reaching their full potential.”
Whitewater did have the advantage coming into this game by playing in the always tough WIAC conference. With teams such as UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stout both making the Sweet Sixteen as well (both lost in close games), Whitewater was battle tested often throughout the season. The same can’t be said for Hope College, out of the MIAA conference who only had two teams make the tournament.
Zach, a junior at UW-Whitewater, added, “My freshman year I remember Whitewater losing to Hope in the National Championship game, so it felt good to see some former classmates of mine avenge that loss. I think we have a lot of work to do but it would be really cool to see a team win a National Championship during my last two years here.”
The players weren’t the only ones who wanted to win this game, the students who had to see this team lose in the National Championship game against Hope wanted it just as bad. To see a team avenge one of its hardest losses for many is sometimes better than winning the whole tournament. But now that they avenged it they have to put their focus towards Transylvania College on Saturday for a chance to reach the final four.
The UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team’s win on Friday night not only showcased their athletic prowess but also showed how much Warhawk fans support this team. Unfortunately, Whitewater would go on to lose their next matchup in the Elite Eight to Transylvania College. However, this does not change the fact that Whitewater women’s basketball had an incredibly impressive season. Finishing the year at 25-5 with an Elite Eight appearance.
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