Eureka Falls to Westminster in Regular Season Finale

FULTON, Mo. – The Eureka women's basketball team fell 79-72 to Westminster on Saturday in a hard-fought battle on the road. Despite the loss, the Red Devils finished the regular season with their first winning record since the 2019-20 campaign.

Eureka started strong, responding to Westminster's early 4-0 lead with a 5-0 run, including a three-pointer from Miya Webb (Indianapolis, Ind./Brownsburg) at 8:19. Maxine Najera (Riverside, Calif./Hillcrest) extended the lead to 9-6 with a jumper at 6:48. Westminster pushed back with a three-pointer by Lauren Jones, and the teams traded baskets before Westminster edged ahead 18-16 at the end of the first quarter.

The Red Devils gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Westminster 30-27. Webb continued to lead the charge, converting key free throws and a layup early on. Josie Ness (Sandwich, Ill./Sandwich) provided a lift with a layup and free throw at 6:27. A late basket from Ashley Wilcox (Hudson, Ill./Normal West) with 12 seconds remaining in the quarter put Eureka ahead 46-45 at halftime.

Westminster fought back in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead with a three-pointer from Annette Ramirez at 7:54. The Blue Jays outscored Eureka 18-14 in the frame, taking a 63-60 lead into the fourth.

In the final quarter, Westminster pulled away, fueled by steady free-throw shooting from Ramirez in the closing minutes. Eureka battled to stay in it, with Najera recording a crucial steal at 9:12 and Ness controlling the boards. However, turnovers and missed opportunities allowed Westminster to secure the win, with Aly Bullock sealing the game at the free-throw line with three seconds remaining.

GAME NOTES

• Miya Webb led Eureka with 19 points, shooting 7-for-18, and added five steals.
• Sierra Garcia-Reisch (Las Animas, Colo./La Junta) contributed 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.
• Maxine Najera recorded four steals and 12 rebounds.
• Josie Ness dominated the glass with a team-high 13 rebounds, including five offensive.
• Ashley Wilcox chipped in nine points and three steals.

UP NEXT

Eureka will host Spalding on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in the SLIAC tournament quarterfinals. The Red Devils, the No. 3 seed, will face No. 6 seed Spalding, with the winner advancing to the semifinals on Thursday.