Streaking — Albion women’s basketball team loses first game after 11 game win streak

The Albion College women’s basketball team’s 11 game win streak came to an abrupt end this past Wednesday with a humbling 106-59 loss to No. 4 ranked Calvin.

Calvin was on fire from behind the arc, hitting an astonishing 16 of 27 three pointers.  Calvin’s Kelsey Irwin was a perfect 5 of 5 on three-point baskets.

“They are the No. 4 team in the country and they shot like they were the No.1 team in the country,” guard Nicole Dennis, St. Claire Shores senior said.  “I think us coming off the win at Hope gave them even more motivation.”

After starting the season with a 1-5 record, the Britons went on to win their next 11 games including a payback win at No. 12 ranked Hope College who beat the Brits 78-53.  Prior to their meeting, Hope had won 104 of 106 contests in its home court at DeVos Field House.  Their last loss came five years ago to none other than Calvin College in a 60-57, barn burner.

Guard Taylor Nugent, Honor sophomore and guard Madeline Winters, Saline sophomore were the only ladies in purple to reach double figures with 13 and 10 points respectively.  The Britons struggled to make shots, hitting 17 out 55 field goals and only 5 of 19 three pointers.

“Calvin is a great defensive team, but we beat ourselves the other night,” Dennis said.  “You can’t make defensive mistakes against a team like Calvin and unfortunately we did.”

The Britons look to bounce back with a home game against rival Adrian.  Albion beat Adrian in their last matchup in a 47-37 defensive battle.  Key performances in that game came from Patty Rewa and Brett de Bear who had 15 and 13 points respectively.

“We all play together really well,” sophomore guard Brett de Bear said.  “It was hard in the beginning with all the losses but once we learned how to play together we were on a roll, the loss to Calvin is just a speed bump in our minds.”

In order for the Brits to maintain their winning mentality they need to continue playing the way they have been all season.

“We still have our confidence,” Dennis said.  “We’ve already put the game behind us.”