It's been quite a season for the Montana State women's basketball
squad. A year ago, the team was looking for the season to end.
This winter, the Cats sit in second place; have produced one of
the biggest turnarounds in NCAA history; and are on the verge of
their first 20-win season since 1993.
The Bobcat women will play their final regular-season game on
Saturday at 2 p.m. at Weber State University. A win would give
them second place and their first-ever bye in the Big Sky
Conference tournament. And even if MSU should lose to the
Wildcats, MSU can be no lower than a third seed at the league
tournament.
"It's been an amazing season," said MSU head coach Frank
McCarthy. "I'm so happy for our seniors. They have had some tough
times, but they battled like warriors and they've put themselves
in a position to win a conference championship and a trip to the
NCAA tournament."
The Bobcats, who are 18-8 overall and 11-4 in Big Sky Conference
action, have been paced this season by Amy Meckling, Winifred,
who leads the league in scoring, averaging 16.3 points per game.
MSU also possesses one of the best inside attacks in the Big Sky
with Isabel Stubbs and Jessica Blake averaging 14.0 and 11.7
points, respectively.
One of the main reasons behind the resurgence of the Bobcat squad
has been the play of point guard Rebecca Alvidrez. The native of
Albuquerque, NM, is averaging 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.3
assists and a league-best 3.1 steals per game.
"They're many reasons for the turnaround," McCarthy said. "We
have a total team concept. Certainly, Rebecca has played a key
role, but so has everyone on the squad. I also have to thank my
coaching staff. They have put in a lot of hours and their efforts
are paying big dividends."
Following their game with Weber State on Saturday, the Bobcat
women will play at the Big Sky Conference Tournament, March 8-10
in Pocatello, Idaho.
For complete coverage of MSU Bobcat Athletics, check out
www.msubobcats.com.
