Emory, Va. - The Emory & Henry women's basketball team reached new heights this season thanks in part to first year head coach Anne Crutchfield. After being picked 11th in the preseason poll the Wasps surpassed expectations and finished tied for 6th. The finish clinched a home playoff game in the ODAC tournament. The team defeated the #10 seed, Randolph Wildcats in front of a raucous crowd. The Wasps earned a 66-49 victory and advanced to Salem for the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2008. In the Quarterfinals the Wasps took down the number two seeded, and defending ODAC champions, Randolph-Macon. The 93-81 upset victory sent the Wasps to the Semifinals, which marked the first time E&H reached that round since 2005. The Wasps eventually met their demise against Lynchburg in the Semifinals, but it was an strong showing by the team to reach that level. On the season, Crutchfield said, "Our goal this season was to re-establish Emory & Henry Women's Basketball as a highly competitive team that our E&H family could be proud of. Though it was certainly nice to enjoy a 15 win season, I believe our total change in mindset was our single biggest accomplishment."
In addition to the team success, the Wasps saw a lot of individual success stories as well. The Wasps had their first ODAC rookie of the year in freshman Chloe Harris. Harris led all freshmen in scoring by averaging 10.6 points per game. She also led the entire ODAC in three point percentage while hitting 43.1% of her shots from behind the arc, including the game-winner in a regular season matchup vs. Randolph-Macon. Chloe stated, "Winning the Rookie of the Year award showed me that any goal that is made can be reached at Emory & Henry. I was able to achieve this personal goal because I was blessed with and surrounded by the most supportive basketball team and staff ever." The team also placed two players on the All-ODAC team for the first time since the 1988-89 season. Junior Karina Farr made the third team after averaging 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Both of those numbers led the team. Her rebounding mark was also 5th in the ODAC. Sophomore Megan Jacoby was also named to the third team. She averaged nine points a game and led the ODAC in assists and steals averaging 5.6 and 2.8, respectively. Jacoby also notched an E&H record 14 assists vs. Warren Wilson.
Senior Kristie Langley eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in her final season. After averaging 10.2 a game, Langley completed her career with 1,104 points. Seniors Meredith Grant and Nicole Roman added some valuable leadership to the team as well. Junior Tamara Brewster had a breakout season. She averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and accumulated four double-doubles on the season. Sophomore Asja Jenkins posted career-highs in points and rebounds, including two nine rebound games. Juniors Anna Green and Amanda Stanley contributed very valuable minutes to the team as well, averaging 5.0 and 4.9 points, respectively.
Overall, the team made strides this season under Coach Anne Crutchfield. With all of the accolades and the core nucleus returning, it is likely the ODAC coaches will pick the Wasps higher than last year. The Wasps will look to be a force again and try to surpass their unexpected season. "Our players not only believe they can win but they expect it. I could not be prouder of this amazing group of young women and I believe wholeheartedly that this season will be the springboard for a tremendous future."
Team Leaders
Points – Karina Farr – 12.4
Rebounds – Karina Farr – 8.3
Assists – Megan Jacoby – 5.6 (led ODAC)
Steals – Megan Jacoby – 2.8 (led ODAC)
Field Goal % - Karina Farr – 50.2%
3FG % - Chloe Harris – 43.1% (led ODAC)
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15