By: Matthew Revels, Sports Editor
The 10-17 Newman Women's basketball team put on a show this season and made history by becoming the first basketball team at Newman to make the MIAA postseason playoffs. On Wednesday, the No. 9-seeded Jets lost in the opening round of play in Kansas City to Northeastern State with a score of 70-54.
Even though the season ended earlier than the team would have liked, players say they feel as though they have made big strides forward from their 3-25 season last year.
Senior Maddie Spagnola says that the team felt honored to be able to compete in the MIAA tournament in Kansas City.
“We are just excited we were the first team to get the chance to go,” Spagnola said.
Spagnola has been a part of the Newman Women's team for just one year, having transferred to Newman during the fall semester of 2022. She said she had a good feeling about the team’s chances this year after a 52-49 victory over No.7-ranked Emporia State in late December.
“I believed when I committed here that we would make history here, and I think all of us had the common goal and knew it was possible,” Spagnola said. “I would say when we upset Emporia, I really knew that we could be something special and get the wins we needed to to get in the top 10.”
To end the season,Spagnola received an All MIAA honorable mention, and Britney Ho received conference recognition by being placed on All MIAA third team.
The team, led by co-head coaches Drew Johnson and Nicole Ohlde Johnson, earned its trip to the postseason tournament by beating Central Oklahoma 72-66 at home on Saturday.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Newman Women's Basketball Instagram
