IUP women finish No. 4 in national rankings

After another memorable season that lasted into March and generated more national interest in the program, the IUP women’s basketball team can reflect.

The Crimson Hawks went 30-4 and reached the NCAA Division II Final Four for the second consecutive season. They climbed to the No. 1 ranking in the nation for a three-week spell and captured PSAC West, PSAC Tournament and Atlantic Regional titles.

The team’s run finally ended with a 66-57 loss to Southwestern Oklahoma State in the semifinals in Columbus Ohio.

“I just want to celebrate these young ladies and what they’ve done, who they are and how they’ve done it,” IUP coach Tom McConnell said. “They’ve taken us on a very, very special journey that we are all very thankful to be a part of. It’s been my privilege to be their coach.”

IUP finished No. 4 in the final WBCA coaches’ poll. The team finished 15 of 18 weeks inside the top 25 and never fell from the national rankings.

Cal U, which beat IUP twice this season, finished No. 21 overall.

IUP senior guard Carolyn Appleby, a Greensburg Central Catholic graduate, was named to the Women’s Basketball Division II Bulletin All-American honorable mention team.

Wow ... WHAT. A. SEASON.

✅ 2nd straight final four appearance
? Atlantic Region Champions
? PSAC Tournament Champions
? PSAC West regular season title
? 30-4 record
☝️ Ranked No. 1 for three weeks
? 15-game win streak #NoLimits pic.twitter.com/FrhEGrTcjX

— IUP Women’s Basketball (@IUP_WBB) March 28, 2019

? Thank you to our fans on your support throughout the season.

? 14 road trips
? 4800 miles traveled
? 17-2 record away from home #NoLimits pic.twitter.com/i7mCZBKdBK

— IUP Women’s Basketball (@IUP_WBB) March 29, 2019

“They’ve taken us on a very, very special journey.”

This team ? #NoLimits pic.twitter.com/0avvYFVWAn

— IUP Women’s Basketball (@IUP_WBB) March 28, 2019