One game shy of the NJCAA National Tournament. That is where the NCMC Lady Pirates basketball season ended Saturday when they fell to North Arkansas College 91-82 in Harrison, AR. The loss for the Lady Pirates was the third of the year to the Lady Pioneers.
NCMC spent the entire game playing from behind after North Arkansas got out to a 17-14 lead after the opening quarter. The lead grew to five points at halftime. Things looked even worse for the Lady Pirates after the third quarter when they were outscored by 10 points, leaving the score at 67-52 heading into the final frame. Despite a valiant comeback attempt by Coach Croy's squad in the 4th quarter, the team's season ended with a 9-point loss. Overall, the Lady Pirates finished the year with a 23-10 mark.
"I am extremely proud the girls and how hard they fought this game. It was a frustrating game both to coach and to play. The girls gave everything they had until the final buzzer. It just wasn't our day," commented Coach Croy.
In the end, it was still an excellent season for the women's program. "These girls will forever be remembered here at NCMC. They will get to hang a banner and a plaque on the wall. Their team photo will be added to the wall in the lobby as well. They have a lot to be proud of. They accomplished almost all of the goals that were set at the beginning of the season. I am extremely proud of each and every one of them," concluded Croy.