PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's basketball team's (23-3) exciting season came to an end with a tough, 82-59, loss at top-seeded La Roche College (18-9) on Sunday afternoon in the AMCC Championship game.
"Although we didn't reach the ultimate goal, which would have been an AMCC Championship, we took a really big step toward getting there," said first year head coach Sean Brown Sr. "Unfortunately we made a lot of mistakes tonight, and we can't have as many mental lapses and expect to win a championship game. I want to give all the credit to the La Roche coaching staff and their team as a whole. They've had a great year."
Ali Rinfrette capped off a stellar sophomore season, scoring 17 points while adding eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Panther's offense. Senior point guard Abby Brate finished her terrific career with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Brittany Watts posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
Abby Brate and Ali Rinfrette were named to the All-Tournament Team for their efforts this week.
"This was a really trying season filled with ups and downs," Brown said. "I'm very proud of these young ladies for battling back after a 1-4 hiccup at the end of the season. We came into the playoffs ready to compete and made it all the way to the championship game."
Tichina Mitchell led the Redhawks with 29 points, 14 rebounds and five assists while Sabrina McLin finished with 27 points, 10 assists and five boards. Gloria Schifino rounded out the La Roche scorers in double figures with 13 points in the victory.
The Redhawks outscored the Panthers in all four quarters, but really ran away with it late in the second quarter and then early in the third, eventually leading by as many as 25 late in the game.
La Roche shot 51.8-percent (29-56) from the field while holding the Panthers to just 29.4-percent (20-68) from the field and 16.7-percent (4-24) from beyond the arc. The Redhawks also dominated the paint, outscoring the Panthers 42-26 in the post while also holding a 44-35 advantage on the glass.
La Roche will continue its season in the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament next weekend.
Although Brown had an incredible first year as head coach of the women's program, he was quick to credit many others for his team's success.
"I would like to thank our local fans, student body, administration and support staff for all the support they have given us this season," Brown said. "Most of all I want to thank our ladies on the team and our assistant coach Kim Rublee – without her this season wouldn't have been a success."
