UF women’s basketball team has a lot of potential

By BRIAN LESTER

DETROIT — Earning a split on its two-game road swing would have been a success for the University of Findlay women’s basketball team. After all, we know that nothing comes easy in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

ButFindlay refused to back down from the challenge of capping the week with a win over a very good Wayne State team.

The Oilers, even after letting a 13-point lead slip away, even after being out-rebounded 58-43, and even after going to overtime on the road, found a way to hold off the Warriors.

They did it by displaying an unmatched will to win. They did it by playing tough and they did it by playing as a team.

I covered the Findlay team that went to the NCAA Division II tournament in 2010, and I can tell you that this team is  poised to be just as good.

The Oilers have gotten tremendous leadership from veterans Kayla Brown, Tai Dotson, Ashley Andrews, Kendra Elam, and the emotional lift that Laura Piehl has provided with her return cannot be underestimated either.

The younger players have come a long way as well and they have what it takes to step up in big moments.

Karli Beasley, Kaleigh Kenny, Lacey Kessler and Kristin Klausing have all contributed in their own way and it is  clear that their experience is paying off as well.

The Oilers went 15-12 last season and that just wasn’t good enough for them. They wanted more and now they are doing everything they can to meet the high expectations they have set for themselves this season.

Findlay is 9-3 at the moment and riding a three-game win streak. It still has a long way to go to get to where it wants to be, but if it keeps giving the same type of effort it did on Saturday against Wayne State, it’s going to have a chance to make this season a special one.

Follow me on Twitter @BLester1993 or send me an email at brianlester@thecourier.com.