In a spirited yet ultimately unsuccessful bid for the championship, the Eastern Kentucky University women’s basketball team faced top-seeded Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) on Tuesday night at Alico Arena. The Colonels fought hard but were defeated 63-47 in the Atlantic Sun Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament semifinals. This marks the end of an impressive season for EKU, which saw two consecutive seasons with over 20 wins and back-to-back appearances in the conference semifinals. The team now awaits potential invitations to national postseason tournaments.

The Colonels' journey this year has been marked by remarkable performances from key players. Fifth-year guard Alice Recanati concluded her final season with seven points against FGCU. Since joining the team in 2020, Recanati has amassed an astounding record, including over 1,500 career points, 600 assists, 500 rebounds, and 200 steals. Her contributions have placed her among the top 25 in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history for career minutes played, and she holds several school records at EKU.

During the game, fifth-year guard Althea Kara Angeles led the scoring effort with 12 points, shooting 4-for-6 from the field and hitting three of four three-point attempts. Upperclassmen Kaitlyn Costner added eight points, while Jasmine McGinnis-Taylor contributed seven. Raphaela Toussaint stood out on the boards with 12 rebounds and four points. Despite these efforts, the Colonels struggled to maintain their early momentum after a strong first quarter where they outscored FGCU 20-7. They failed to score more than 10 points in any subsequent quarter, leading to their eventual defeat.

As a team, EKU shot 32% from the floor, hit five three-pointers, and made 10 free throws. The Colonels also secured 35 rebounds but were hampered by 18 turnovers and 25 personal fouls. On the other side, FGCU's standout players included ASUN Player of the Year Emani Jefferson, who scored 22 points, and Lauryn Taylor, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Eagles will now advance to face Central Arkansas in the ASUN Championship on March 15.

The 2024-25 season for Eastern Kentucky was filled with highs and lows. While the team's championship aspirations were not realized, the accomplishments of its players, particularly those of Alice Recanati, will be remembered as significant milestones in the program's history. The future of the team remains uncertain as it awaits potential invitations to national postseason tournaments. Regardless of what lies ahead, the resilience and determination shown by the Colonels throughout the season are commendable.