Collin College Women's Basketball wrapped up an outstanding 2023-24 season with an appearance at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournament and a 61-60 loss to a surging Eastern Arizona College.
The Cougars* faced off against Eastern Arizona College in the tournament's second round after earning a No. 4 seed and a first-round bye. Eastern Arizona's Lady Monsters had battled through the first round by defeating No. 13 Pearl River. They would go on to win their way into the semifinal game before falling to the now-national champion Hutchison College.
Despite coming into the contest cold without a first-round game, the Cougars struck first on a Waiata Jennings bucket. Jennings, who led all players in scoring with 24 points, was all over the court with two steals, one block, and five assists. She was followed by Mackenzie Buss with 12 points, two steals, and three assists, and Kennadi Archibald, who had 9 points.
The Lady Monsters answered on their third trip down the court, using their size to control the paint and pull down successive offensive rebounds. Eastern Arizona won the rebound battle with 17 on offense and 39 on defense, compared to Collin's four and 28.
The two teams settled into a tight battle that never provided a strong lead for either team. The team was tied at the half and pulled ahead by one point at the close of the third quarter on a buzzer-beating half-court lob from Archibald.
Other than that bucket, the Cougars had a little trouble from the outside, sinking only five of 20 three-pointers but having more success driving to the basket. The team shot 35.5% from the field and 68.8% from the free-throw line.
Collin was up by three points in the game's closing minutes but could not build on its lead, while the Lady Monsters struck with one bucket on a put-back and a three to take the lead. Eastern Arizona forced a foul to put them up by three. Archibald grabbed a rebound and scored with 2.4 seconds left, but that would end the game.
"I thought the game was hard fought and what we expected as far as it being a tough game," Coach Jeff Allen said later. "I thought if we had done a better job rebounding, especially on the offensive end, we would have won the game."
Despite the loss, the Cougars put a strong season in the books with only two regular-season losses, a first-ever Southwest District Championship title earned by winning the Region V tournament, and back-to-back appearances at the NJCAA national tournament.
"This group of young ladies had a great year and put in a lot of hard work," Allen said. "I couldn't be more proud of them."
When asked to comment on the season, Dr. Albert Tezeno, Collin College's athletic director, added "We couldn't be prouder of the resilience and determination shown by our women's basketball team throughout this season. Despite the tough loss in the NJCAA national tournament, their unwavering effort and dedication have brought immense pride to Collin College. This group of young ladies has showcased exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork, embodying the spirit of our athletic program. I want to congratulate them on an outstanding season."
*Editor's note: Per a change in college policy, Collin College's women's teams will be referred to as Cougars rather than Lady Cougars going forward.