CMU women's basketball ready for postseason play
Senior Kaihla Szunko was constantly texting Ethan Gelfand, coordinator of women's basketball operations on Monday, waiting for an answer about her future.
The CMU women’s basketball team found out Monday night that, for the first time since 1984, they would be playing postseason basketball.
The Chippewas (20-10) will face Illinois State (20-10) at 8:05 p.m. Thursday at Redbird Arena in Normal, Ill., in the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.
“I was really happy. I was kind of antsy and paranoid,” Szunko said. “A big weight was lifted off of my shoulders and it was a big relief to get in.”
Szunko is just two rebounds shy of 1,000 rebounds for her career. If she gets those two rebounds, she will become the first player in Mid-American Conference history to have 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 200 steals in a career. The only other active players who have accomplished the feat are Maya Moore from Connecticut and Victoria Dunlap from Texas.
CMU coach Sue Guevara said she could not be happier for the seniors who get to extend their careers.
“Postseason basketball hasn’t been here for 27 years, so this is a step,” Guevara said. “I am treating this as postseason play — we are dancing. Now, we just don’t want to do the two-step. One step in, one step out.”
Seniors Shonda Long, Camille Ramsey, Laura Baker and Szunko all have played a significant role toward the progression of the women’s basketball program over the past few years.
“These seniors have helped this program take leaps and bounds in the four years that they have been here,” Guevara said. “It is testament to their hard work and commitment, and they have been building blocks for the future.”
With up to six games remaining, the Chippewas want to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them.
Guevara also acknowledged the experience the younger players will receive from playing in the WNIT.
“There is no substitute for experience. For everyone who is not a senior, it’s great,” Guevara said. “They are going to get that feeling, and it’s going to be that tournament atmosphere, and I don’t think you ever get tired of that feeling.”
The Redbirds of Illinois State are making their 10th overall and third consecutive appearance in the WNIT and have made the Final Four the past two seasons.
Illinois State leads the all-time series 6-1, and the two teams have not met since 2001.
CMU finished with just its fourth 20-win campaign in program history to earn an at-large bid.
The Chippewas will hope to get a postseason win on Thursday and make a run in the WNIT.
