Lebanon, IL - The McKendree University Women's Basketball team had a special day on tap, with the Bearcats hosting the Quincy Hawks on Senior Day. In a pregame ceremony, McKendree honored players Chloe White and Georgia Duncan, as well as managers Alyssa Powell and Haley Ottenschnieder. The Bearcats (16-8, 13-5 GLVC) built a sizable first half lead behind their dominance on the offensive glass and steady scoring inside, then did enough in the final minutes to secure a 71-58 victory over the Hawks (13-12, 10-8 GLVC) at the Statham Sports Center. McKendree turned extra possessions into a 28-0 outscoring of Quincy in second chance points, led for more than 35 minutes, and countered every fourth quarter push to close it out. 

The Bearcats set the tone with defensive pressure and crashing the offensive boards. After the game was tied at 6-6 midway through the quarter, McKendree closed on a 16-2 run. Baylie Parks established her presence inside with multiple put-backs, while Tessa Crawford came off the bench and knocked down two three-pointers. Madison Johnson added a second-chance layup during the surge, and Morgan Feil converted off an offensive rebound in the final seconds. Quincy shot 3-for-12 in the quarter, and the Bearcats forced several live-ball turnovers to build a 22-8 lead after one. 

McKendree expanded the cushion through more rebounding and scoring in the paint. Parks opened the second quarter with another second-chance finish, and Chloe White followed with two free throws to make it 26-8. Crawford drilled a three at the 5:41 mark to extend the margin to 19, and Johnson's work on the boards created additional possessions that turned into layups from Taylor Fohey and Feil. The Bearcats pushed the advantage to 23 points before halftime and entered the break ahead 40-21, limiting Quincy to one field goal over a key four-minute stretch.

McKendree maintained separation coming out of the locker room. Parks scored on the opening possession of the second half and later added a second-chance three-pointer, bringing her total to 20. Johnson contributed a steal and continued to secure defensive rebounds, while Kylie Moeller connected from beyond the arc to extend the lead to 26 at 56-30. The Bearcats shot 8-for-18 in the period and converted multiple extra opportunities, offsetting a brief scoring run late in the quarter. A Parks put-back and free throw in the closing seconds helped McKendree carry a 61-39 lead into the fourth. 

Quincy opened the final quarter with an 11-0 run, trimming the deficit to 14 and later to 12. The Bearcats responded with more interior offense and subsequent free throws. Feil scored on a layup at 4:56 and added a second-chance basket at 3:40 after Johnson secured an offensive rebound. Emma Slings converted two free throws at the 2:25 mark to push the margin back to 15, and Kyra Taylor added a late free throw to close the scoring. 

With 1:33 remaining on senior day, Georgia Duncan checked into the game. It was her first appearance since last year's season finale after missing 2025-26 due to injury, drawing a Senior Day ovation as McKendree secured the final possessions and the 13-point victory. 

BEARCAT INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Baylie Parks | 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals
Morgan Feil | 11 points, 4 rebounds
Tessa Crawford | 9 points, 3 3-pointers
Madison Johnson | 6 points, 9 rebounds (6 offensive), 3 steals

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
@ Rockhurst Hawks (7-17, 3-15 GLVC)
Thursday, February 26th - 5:15 PM
Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse - Kansas City, MO
Watch Live ($) (GLVCSN)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (Hometown Ticketing)