Harper falters against Joliet

In a game that could have major seeding implications in the NJCAA Division III Region IV tournament, Joliet Junior College traveled to the Harper College Sports and Wellness Center on Thursday.

It was the Wolves who took a major step in securing the No. 2 postseason seed with a 72-60 win over the Hawks (10-10, 5-3) in North Central Community College Conference play.

“I told the girls we have had two or three weeks of things going our way. Some didn’t go our way. We have to bounce back,” said Harper coach Mark Smith.

The No. 2 seed would help either team because it would mean avoiding Rock Valley until the regional semifinals. Rock Valley is ranked No. 3 in the nation; the Hawks play the Golden Eagles on Tuesday.

Harper got off to a great start, taking a 9-4 lead before the Wolves (9-10, 6-2) went on a 6-point run to draw within a point at 12-11.

A Sara Kellermeyer (Schaumburg) 3 put an end to the run. With the Hawks leading 22-18, the Wolves went on a 16-2 tear and claimed the lead. Freshman Sara Eschenbaum (Lake Zurich) score to draw the Hawks within 27-24 with 5:44 remaining in the first half.

That was the closest the Hawks would get until late in the game, when freshman Carly Fisher was able to draw Harper within 58-54 after scoring 2 of her 3 points.

But the more athletic Wolves where able to keep the Hawks at bay and take the victory.

“We got hurt (by) offensive rebounding” Smith said.