SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball team saw its season come to an end on Friday night at the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers fell to the nation's top ranked team, Drury University 88-57 in the first round. Despite the loss the loss, Wesleyan still produced a record amount of win this season and will only see one senior graduate this spring.
 
The Panthers (24-8), like they have all season, like to start fast. Kelsey Ivers and Keelie Lamb opened the game with back-to-back lay-ups, giving Wesleyan a 5-4 edge. Just like they have done throughout the season Drury (32-0) sparks the offense with its defense. Drury embarked on a 15-0 run over the next six minutes and built a 19-5 lead.
 
Drury finished the first quarter with a 26-9 lead and went into halftime holding 47-25 lead. Although short-handed due to major infractions in their Conference Tournament, Drury was able to continue its fast pace and fall into its full-court defensive pressure to create turnovers.
 
Being the number one team in the nation, Drury also leads the nation in forced turnovers. The Panthers were forced into 25 turnovers on the night while still making 46% of their attempts from the floor. Unfortunately, the 25 miscues aided Drury in receiving 17 more offensive possession on the night.
 
Jasmine Shelt gave the Panthers a spark in the second half as all of points were recorded in the final two quarters. Shelf finished with 11 points on five of six shooting. Drury did all its damage in the first half in building a comfortable lead.
 
The Panthers' perimeter shooting was kept in check as they converted on five of 18 three-point baskets. Kaylee Clifford finished the game with 12 points in 18 minutes of work. Lamb added 10 points and four rebounds. Drury out-rebounded the Panthers 40-26 on the night.
 
Wesleyan won the Great Midwest Regular Season Title this season before falling in the Conference Tournament final. They also notched 24 wins, a program best, which included an impressive 16-0 at the Sportscenter.