Lady Raiders Fall Short On Senior Night

UNITED SPIRIT ARENA - Senior night did not end the way Lady Raider coach Kristy Curry and seniors Alesha Robertson, Brooke Baughman and Patrice Edwards wanted as Iowa State defeated Texas Tech 72-68 Thursday at the United Spirit Arena. "Im just really disappointed that we couldnt find a way to win tonight," Curry said. "It just seemed like when they needed to make a critical play some body for them made it." Tech (15-15, 6-10 in Big 12) outscored Iowa State 26 to 12 in points in the paint but the Cyclones hit 11 shots from beyond the three-point line. Forward Alesha Robertson led Tech with 14 points and 13 rebounds in what could be her last game at the USA. "Coming through the tunnel I was trying to concentrate on the game and then at the same time keep reminding myself that it was my last time being out there," Robertson said. "Its kind of hard to believe and I dont know if its sunk in yet." Fellow senior Brooke Baughman, who along with Robertson has started every game for the Lady Raiders this season, scored four points in 37 minutes in the loss. "Youre used to coming out here every day and you probably take advantage of it for sure," Baughman said. "We have some great fans and they make it fun to come out. We have some great memories here and tonight wasnt one of them." The final senior to see playing time in the loss was Patrice Edwards who scored six points and grabbed six rebounds. "We knew that this was the last game but I think it has finally hit us," Edwards said. "We went out there and played as hard as we could and didnt get the result that we wanted. Its really hard to believe that this is the last time Ill ever play on this court." Along with Robertson, Baughman and Edwards, Chesley Dabbs was honored after the game. Dabbs has not played since Jan. 27 for personal reasons. Curry said at times during the season the seniors were expected to carry too much of the team load. "So much has been expected of the seniors but we had to have someone else step up," Curry said. "I love these four seniors. I want them to know that theyve laid the foundation of what were going to do here in the future. Theyre always going to be a part of what were doing." Iowa State (22-7, 10-6) was led by Megan Ronhovde and Lyndsey Medders who finished the game with 18 and 16 points respectively. With a .500 record the Lady Raiders only shot at making the NCAA tournament is to win the Big 12 tournament which begins Tuesday in Oklahoma City. "Weve got to go into the conference tournament and its a brand new season and anything can happen," Curry said. "Wed be a Cinderella story. We just gotta find a glass slipper or two."