Pioneers capture Clarke tournament title
Dec. 31, 2004
UW-Platteville captured the eighth annual Clarke College Holiday Tournament style in grand fashion, knocking off previously undefeated Concordia (Neb.) 76-64 New Year's Eve in Dubuque.
While winning the eight-team tournament, the Pioneers improved to 9-2, their best start ever. The Bulldogs, an NAIA Elite Eight team a year ago, fell to 14-1.
The Pioneers led 29-23 at the half, then exploded out of the second-half gates. Michelle Hardyman scored nine of her team-high 18 points in the first 3:56 of the second half, helping the Pioneers to a 43-27 advantage.
UWP held at least a 12-point margin until the final four minutes. The Bulldogs would not go down without a fight. Or a foul. After Concordia came within 60-53 with 3:07 to play, the Bulldogs started sending the Pioneers to the free-throw line. The Pioneers scored their final 20 points from the line. At one point, UWP made 14 straight free throws to clinch the title for the first time in three championship appearances.
Hardyman, whose 18 points are her career high, earned Player of the Game by tournament officials. She was joined in double figures in scoring by Liz Tesch, who had 16, Shannon Boatman with 14 and Holly Kaiser with 12.
Kaiser, who averaged 16 points per game during the tournament while shooting 58.6 percent from the field, and Boatman, who averaged 11.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest, were named to the all-tournament team. First-year Coach Tina Kuhle earned the Coach of the Tournament Award, and Emily Fritz placed second in the three-point shooting contest during the week.
The Pioneers face their second straight undefeated team on Wednesday, when they resume conference play at 13-0 UW-Oshkosh, ranked third in the D3hoops.com poll.
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