Women’s basketball falls short in Horizon League championship

Guard Mackenzie Taylor drives to the hoop during the Wright State women’s basketball team’s 62–44 loss to Green Bay in the Little Caesars Horizon League Championship game.

The Wright State women’s basketball team concluded a stellar season with a 62–44 loss to Green Bay in the Little Caesars Horizon League Championship game March 6 in Detroit.

The Phoenix, ranked 22nd nationally, won their fourth consecutive conference title.

The Raiders, who entered the league tournament as the third seed, finished the season with a 23–10 record. Senior guard Chelsea Welch was named the Horizon League regular season player of the year, while junior guard Emily Vogelpohl earned a spot on the league’s All-Defensive Team.

Senior forward Lexi Smith led the Raiders with 14 points to go along with three rebounds. Welch was held to two of 15 shooting from the field, though she hit nine of 11 free throws. Welch finished with 13 points and six rebounds. Freshman center Tyler Frierson was the Raiders’ leading rounder with eight.

Senior guard Chelsea Welch finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

After trailing by as much as 21 in the first half, the Raiders closed to within 11 when forward Nia Sumpter scored three after a steal in the final minute of the third quarter. But Green Bay answered with a 10-0 run to pull away for good.

Wright State shot 28 percent from the field and connected on just one three-pointer. The Phoenix outrebounded the Raiders 49–34.

The Raiders advanced to the Horizon League finals by defeating IUPUI 60–52 and Cleveland State 83–61.