Women's basketball season ends in RSC quarterfinals

RIO GRANDE, Ohio - Midway was able to hang with top-seeded Rio Grande in the quarterfinals of the River States Conference Tournament for more than a quarter-and-a-half on Wednesday.

But unfortunately, the relentless attack that has produced the NAIA's No. 1 scoring attack was too much for the eighth-seeded Eagles to contain, as Rio pulled away for a 112-81 win that ended the Eagles' season.

Despite some rebounding issues, Midway found itself in a 26-26 tie after the first 10 minutes, evening things up on a Bree Howard layup just before the first-period buzzer. Midway shot 61 percent (11-of-18) from the floor while making 4-of-5 3-point attempts in the quarter.

Things stayed tight well into the second period, with the Eagles getting within 45-44 on a Jermyra Christian layup 3:20 before halftime.

Things would turn shortly thereafter, though, as the Red Storm closed the first half on a 10-2 run, with a back-breaking, five-point swing coming just before the break. Trinity Johnson got a good look at a 3-pointer that would have made it a six-point game, but a shot that rolled around the rim multiple times didn't fall.

Rio proceeded to run the clock down, then got a basket with a second to play, when Natalie Kalaydjiev scored at the rim off a great Aziah Williams pass.

The Red Storm, who entered the night averaging an NAIA-best 95.3 points per game, continued to play with a lethal mix of speed an efficiency to pull away further in the second half. 

Rio Grande had six players score in double figures and assisted on 28 of 45 made baskets. The Red Storm also had a 52-34 rebounding edge while scoring 25 second-chance points on 19 offensive boards.

For Midway, Alyssa Hitch had by far the best statistical game of her college career, setting new highs with 22 points, eight made field goals and five made 3-pointers.

Sereniti Webb concluded an excellent sophomore season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, her 11th double-double of the season. Atlantis White also added 10 points off the bench, with Jaiden Douthit dishing out a team-best five assists.

Midway closes out the year with a record of 13-17. The Eagles have a chance to bring back an experienced group next season, as they have no departing seniors.

Follow Midway Eagles Athletics