The Ashland University women’s basketball team concluded their 2024-25 season in the NCAA Division II Midwest regional tournament championship game against the No. 2-ranked Grand Valley State Lakers on Monday, March 17 in Allendale, Michigan. 

The game concluded with a final score of 62-50 with the Lakers advancing to the Elite Eight.  

Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kari Pickens credited the Lakers to their strong performance stating, “I’m disappointed, because I thought we could get them. I thought that our team was really good, too. We just didn’t shoot the ball well enough.” 

The Eagles entered this competition second in Div. II scoring defense while the Lakers sat at seventh; however, the Eagles defense wasn’t enough against the Lakers offense.  The Lakers spent their season with consistent high scoring. 

The Eagles entered the game as the No. 5-ranked team nationally, boasting a 32-3 record and riding a 26-game winning streak.  Despite their defensive strength, they struggled against the Lakers’ offense. 

Throughout the season, the Eagles had notable achievements, including winning their fourth consecutive Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) regular-season and tournament titles.  They finished their season with 32-4 overall record and a 19-1 mark in conference play. 

The Eagles fell short of their goal of winning another national championship. 

Senior forward Zoe Miller found that despite the team not winning a national championship this season, she’s grateful knowing they gave it their all. 

“Our team enjoyed the journey and that’s what I will always remember, all the memories and time with the team,” Miller said.  “Being a senior, I cannot thank the community and my team enough for their support and love for our program.” 

Despite falling short of another championship title, the Eagles had other notable achievements.  

On Thursday, February 20 the Eagles found a 19th consecutive win and Division II best 26th straight home victory that moved the Eagles to 25-3 overall and 17-1 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play, clinching a share of the league’s regular-season title. 

The Eagles also won at least 25 games in a season for the 12th time – all since 2011-12. 

When their season came to an end against the Lakers, the Pickens showed optimism in the Eagles.  “I thank God every single day for what he has brought to my life by bringing me to Ashland. I know it’s a tough end for Eagle nation, but hopefully they can come out again next year,” Pickens reported. 

This end comes to a complete stop for the following seniors: Miller, senior guard Morgan Yoder, graduate student Lydia Sweeny, senior Sarah McKee, senior forward Hayley Smith and team manager Kenzie McConnell. 

Miller found herself being named G-MAC Player of the Year averaging 14.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 42.8% three-point percentage. 

Smith earned All-American honorable mention, along with teammates McKee and Miller. 

McKee earned G-MAC Most Valuable Player after helping lead the Eagles to a fourth consecutive championship. 

Both Smith and Miller join 29 other Eagles in the 1,000-point club. 

These seniors pushed the Eagles to become G-MAC champs; however, there were a few underclassmen who aided the Eagles to success. 

Sophomore guard Lexi Howe suffered multiple injuries; however, was able to push herself in the postseason to help the eagles. 

Freshman guard Ashley Mullet came into her first season with the Eagles contributing greatly to their performance, in a game against the Hillsdale Chargers Mullet contributed ten points helping the Eagles secure a win. 

“We had a phenomenal year even though it did not end the way we wanted it to,” Mullet said.  “I’m incredibly grateful for my teammates and coaches along with all the supporters of our team for making this season so great.” 

The goal for the Eagles is to regroup during the offseason and look towards earning a national title. 

“I’m very excited to get back to work and continue our pursuit of a national championship next season,” Mullet said. 

To continue following the Eagles journey supporters can follow the team on goashlandeagles.com for updates.