Gallery: (2-7-2026) 2025-26 Women's Basketball vs. WCU
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg University women's basketball team erupted in the second half to defeat West Chester in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division battle on Alumni and Pink Day Saturday afternoon at Heiges Field House, 67-45.
Shippensburg (3-20, 2-14 PSAC East) led West Chester (10-12, 6-10) by as many as 25 points in the second half following a low-scoring first half that featured six ties and six changes. The Raider duo of
Michelle Olak and
McKenzie Thomas nearly outscored West Chester (10-12, 6-10) by themselves, combining for 42 points while the SU defense held the Golden Rams to a season-best 45 points defensively.
Olak converted a layup with 17 seconds left in the second quarter to give SU a 24-22 edge at intermission. The sophomore forward continued that momentum in the second half, ripping off 11 points in the third quarter alone.
Olak and Thomas provided all the points during a 7-0 spurt midway through the frame that expanded the SU lead to 12, 40-28, and forced a West Chester timeout. Olak later converted at the third quarter horn to give the hosts a nine-point cushion entering the final 10 minutes, 43-34.
The fourth quarter was even more one-sided as SU began the frame with a 19-4 run to open up a 24-point advantage.
Shippensburg shot a scorching 66.7 percent from the field (8-for-12) in the fourth quarter and 59 percent (16-for-27) overall in the second half. They shot 80 percent (4-for-5) from beyond the arc during that span.
Olak led the way with 23 points – her fourth outing of 20 or more points this season – on an outstanding 9-of-10 from the field (90 percent). She also pulled down eight rebounds.
Thomas reached a new career-high with 19 points, highlighted by a 4-for-6 afternoon from beyond the arc (66.7 percent).
The Raiders finished with eight three-pointers on 16 attempts (50 percent) overall Saturday, one off their season high (nine three-point makes Jan. 24 at Mansfield). Meanwhile, the SU defense held the Golden Rams without a three-pointer in the game (0-for-10).
Melana Eyer was the third Raider to reach double figures with 16 points, going 4-of-8 from three-point range in the game.
Abbie Johns matched her career high with five assists.
Lena Stein scored 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting (81.8 percent) for West Chester.
SU finished with 15 turnovers, one off its season-low and the Raiders won the points off turnovers battle 14-to-8.
Shippensburg snapped a six-game losing streak against West Chester with the victory.
The Raiders are back in action Wednesday at Kutztown for a 5:30 p.m. tip.
