2012-13 Season Kicks Off!!

Coach Jori Monnich(Right) and Mariska Bruggenthijs (Left)

As we move one step closer to the 2012-13 season. We would like to give a big congratulations to a Jori Monnich, a former to team captain for Davenport and recently added assistant coach for the panthers!!!! Congrats Jori

Second Round of Nationals

Friday March 9th we played our final game of the season with a loss to Briar Cliff (Iowa) 67 to 65. It was the toughest loss we have had all season. They fought till the every last second, with the ref making a critical call with 3.2 seconds left on the clock sending Briar Cliff to the line shooting two, making both free throws. Down 2 points Karli Harris takes the in inbound pass knowing how much time was on the clock she raced down the court with all her energy putting up a last second three pointer to hopefully win the game that rolled off the rim left. Abby Neff playing her heart out in her very last time in a Davenport jersey, putting up 18 points and five rebounds. Karlee Despres also contributing with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, also Abbey Hengesbach with 13 points and 5 rebounds. We thank the seniors Carrie Grubius, Julie Janish, Karle Despres, and Abby Neff for an outstanding season and wish in luck in the future

First Round of Nationals

Wednesday, the lady panthers played Cal State San Marcos to open the first round of the NAIA tournament. The lady panthers know exactly how to open the tournament with a big win against Cal State, winning 84 to 63. In last nights game we had four lady panthers in double figures. Leah Sevcik posting her best game of the season, tying her season high with 14 points, also contributing to the great win was Abbey Hengesbach with 18 points, Karlee Despres with 14 points, Abby Neff with 12 points, and karli Harris with 8 assists. The Ladies take on Briar Cliff of Iowa friday at 3:30 pm.

Day 2 of nationals!!

Tuesday we had the opportunity to participate in a Special Olympics clinic here at the NAIA National Tournament. Following our year long partnership with Special Olympics in Grand Rapids, we especially enjoyed being able to teach, talk, and play with the Special Olympians here in Sioux City. In true DU Women's Basketball fashion, there was plenty of cheering, dancing, and laughing! Overall, we had a memorable experience with Special Olympics in Sioux City, and feel fortunate to give back during such an exciting week of basketball.

Written by Alexis Burbul.

Nationals Day One!!

Monday, day one of the national tournament was a unique memorable experience for our lady panthers. The team got to practice at the Hawkeye center, where the Iowa Hawkeyes boys and girls basketball  programs play, as well get a tour of the arena. It was a great experience for our girls to get ready for the first round of the national tournament.

WHAC Champions!

Thursday Davenport Women's basketball team won the WHAC tournament over Concordia University 65 to 49. Holding Concordia to only 49 points; a season low for them. Leading the way was Karli Harris with 16 points and 5 assists, both game highs. This win over Concordia gives us our third straight WHAC tournament title. We congratulate Coach Mike Williams and the Davenport women's team for the great season, and wish you luck as you compete in the national tournament; playing Cal-State San Marcos for first round of nationals.

Conference Champs!!

This Saturday, our very own Davenport University woman's basketball team won the WHAC conference to our cross town rival Cornerstone University 80 to 74; winning our sixth straight WHAC conference championship. Leading the panthers was Carrie Grubius with 17 points along with Karli Harris with 16 points and Abby Neff with 14 points. The lady panthers trailed most of the game, but a late 16 to 3 scoring run helped them come back to win the game; they fought till the very last second, proving that they deserved to be WHAC champions. Congratulations Ladies for the sixth straight WHAC title.

Senior Night!!

Jonathan Goei, Mike Williams, Abbey Neff, Karlee Despres, Carrie Grubius, Julie Janish, Kelly Wandel, and Shannon Rose (from left to right) 

Wednesday we celebrated the growth of four girls on senior night. Although we suffered lost to Madonna, we thank Abby Neff, Karlee Despres, Carrie Grubius, and Julie Janish. Abby Neff has appeared in 129 games since stepping onto campus in 2008-09. Posting her best season this year starting in all 26 games going into Wednesdays game, she has also joined the 1000 points club. Karlee Depres has also joined the 1000 point club, earning her 8th on the all time list with 1116 points. She also set a new school record for points in a single game with 43 points against Olivet Nazarene. Carrie Grubius is currently ranked second on the all time list for 3 pointers made, also joining Abby Neff and Karlee Despres in the 1000 points club with 1194, earning her 6th on the all time point list. Julie Janish has started all 26 games going into Wednesdays game. Julie is a two-time CoSIDA All-District performer with a 4.0 in accounting and Management, along with Carrie Grubius Julie is on pace to become the all-time leader in games played at Davenport. We can't thank you enough for the hard work and dedication you gave to this program, hope you all are successful in future endeavors.

We're Only Getting Stronger

Last week, we suffered a tough loss to a good No. 6 Concordia team in overtime 81 to 78. Snapping our 17 game win streak dropping our overall record to 22-3 and 12-1 in WHAC play. We quickly bounced back with a big win against Lourdes as everyone contributed to a moral boosting win of 91 to 43.

Mondays are Great!

Monday was a big day for DUWB!  Assistant coach Kelly Wandel gave birth to a beautiful baby girl - Riley Lynn and the team moved up to the #1 spot in the NAIA Top 25.  They are tied with Indiana Wesleyan.  Who says Mondays are a drag!

NAIA Top 25 Poll

This blog is designed to give you an inside look at the Davenport Women's Basketball team.  Follow us through the rest of the season and during Nationals to learn about the Lady Panthers.