WASHINGTON – The Gallaudet University women's basketball team wrapped up the regular season here Saturday afternoon against Penn College of Technology as the visitors won, 61-51, in a United East game in the Field House on Senior Day.

Before the start of the game, the Bison women's basketball program recognized the senior on Senior Day. Senior guard Sunita Schmidjorg (Austin, Texas) were honored by their coaches and teammates as family, friends and Bison Nation looked on. Schmidjorg finished the game with nine points, grabbed three rebounds, passed for three assists and swiped two steals in 32 minutes played.

Gallaudet (6-16, 4-9 United East) capitalized on cold shooting by the Wildcats, building a five-point lead after junior guard Seanna Baird (Indianapolis) drained a buzzer-beater 3-pointer to give the Bison a 14-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter. 

In the second quarter, sophomore forward Sophia Wascher (Noblesville, Ind.) pushed the lead to its largest margin of the game with a layup in the opening 45 seconds. Penn College responded with an 8-2 run by the 7:36 mark to take the lead. Moments later, first-year forward/center Natalie Greene (Houston, Texas) answered with a layup to put the Bison back in front, 20-19. The Wildcats then surged ahead with a 9-0 run over the next two minutes before Gallaudet rallied late, trimmed the deficit to one and headed into halftime trailing 30-29.

Schmidjorg and Greene scored back-to-back baskets to put Gallaudet back in front, 33-31, at the 7:21 mark of the third quarter. Penn College answered with a steady stretch of play, regained control and carried a 44-41 lead into the fourth quarter.

The buff and blue were unable to slow the Wildcats' hot shooting, as Penn College shot 53.8 percent from the field and converted turnovers into six points to secure a comfortable victory.

Greene recorded a double-double with game-high totals of 20 points and 12 rebounds. She also added two blocks and two assists. Sophomore guard/forward Mackenzie Schirg (Factoryville, Pa.) scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds. First-year center Kayla Debrow (Jacksonville, Fla.) turned in an outstanding defensive performance, finishing with nine rebounds, four blocks and four steals while added five points in 22 minutes despite dealt with foul trouble.

The Wildcats had four players in double figures led by sophomore forward Gigi Parlante who scored 17 points. 

UP NEXT
Gallaudet is the No. 10 seed in the upcoming United East tournament and will travel to No. 7 seed Lancaster Bible College (10-15, 8-5 United East) this Wednesday, Feb. 18. Time will be announced. The Bison won the first meeting 63-50 on Jan. 13 in a conference contest.