The Communique

Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Scott Kintzel The Kirkwood women's team celebrates their national championship after their victory over Kankakee 73-48.

Media Credit: Erich Pilcher Erich Pilcher reports on the Kirkwood women's basketball success.

Reaching the national tournament was something that the Kirkwood Community College women's basketball team had been working toward since the start of the season.

The Kirkwood women's basketball team was defending their national title from 2007. Filled with determination, heart and confidence, both as individuals and as a group, the Eagles were ready to step onto the court with the Kankakee Cavalier.

With fans for Kankakee and Kirkwood, it was unclear what they were shouting but it was clear that Kirkwood Eagles had fans on their side with blue and white showing on both sides of the court.

As the first half started, Kirkwood out jumped Kankakee and took over the game. Kirkwood was first to put points on the board. It became apparent the fans were in for a fast paced game. The teams being neck and neck made it difficult to predict the outcome of the game.

The Eagles took a 37-28 lead into halftime. The second half began with Kankakee in control of the ball.

Coach Kim Muhl shouted, "Rebound" and "Box out" from the sidelines and it became apparent how much each move one of the players made counted toward the championship title.

With 10 minutes left in the game, Kirkwood led 52-38 but it was still anyone's game. Kirkwood players sitting on the sideline chanted "Defense" and the crowd joined in the cheer.

With backdoor cuts, three-point shots and free throws, the score added up and Kirkwood gained a commanding lead. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, the score was 73-48. The Kirkwood fans starting to chant "Repeat! Repeat!" and the Eagles were on their feet cheering and celebrating.

The buzzer sounded and the celebration began on the court as the Kirkwood women had defended the national title and were named the 2008 National Champions for Division II.

The Eagles finished out the season at 31-6 and scored their fourth national title. For the Eagles, the success never gets old.

"It's a pretty good feeling," Muhl said. "I don't think you ever get tired of national championships."

Even though the two championships came one right after the other, to the players, each one felt different.

"The feeling of being back-to back-champions is an indescribable feeling. Very few people can say that they have ever won a championship and to be able to say that I have won two is an amazing feeling," sophomore Allie Lindemann said. "You can't compare the two championships they both are equally important."

Muhl was named the Coach of the Year; Lauren Thomas- Johnson was tournament MVP; and Breann Hill and Lindemann were named to the all tournament team.

For a slideshow of photos taken from the Championship game, click on the link below.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools