Northwest Missourian

Last updated: 1/25/07 at 3:46 PM CST Section: University Sports

Media Credit: Mike Dye

The Northwest women proved Saturday they could win on the weekend.

Mandi Schumacher used a 15-point second half to help the Bearcats defeat Southwest Baptist 64-49 in Bearcat Arena Saturday. Northwest won both contests over its MIAA opponent this season.

"We really worked hard on communicating and talking on defense," sophomore Meghan Brue said. "Those have been out number one things we've been working on all week."

Schumacher, coming off of the bench, opened up the three point lead Northwest had at the half. With approximately 10 minutes left in the game, the junior started her scoring streak to ensure the win for the 'Cats.

"I think I got a wake-up call and said 'Hey, I don't have anything to lose anymore, I don't have anything to prove,'" Schumacher said. "'I'm coming off the bench, I can just go out, play my game, and not think about it.'"

Head coach Gene Steinmeyer said he was most impressed with his team's defense. Prior to Saturday's game, Baptist had scored 75 points against MIAA-leader Missouri Western, 26 more than Northwest allowed.

Steinmeyer said fatigue more than likely played a role in Baptist's game, having played three road contests in the last week.

Along with the play of his post players, Steinmeyer was most impressed with junior April Miller's contribution to the win. She scored only four points, but grabbed five rebounds and was, to Steinmeyer, the reason the 'Cats were able to pull away in the second half.

"April Miller absolutely controlled the offense during our run," Steinmeyer said. "She did what we had to do tonight. April earned some stripes in this game."

Northwest continues its home stretch with a 5:30 p.m. rematch against Emporia State Wednesday.

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