Pioneers fall in final

Pioneers’ historic season comes to end

The Texas Woman’s basketball season ended on a tough note Friday night, with the Pioneers falling to Minnesota State, 89-73, in the Division II national championship game.

The Mavericks came out hot, forcing a slew of turnovers and landing several three-pointers, putting the Pioneers in a hole that proved too daunting to overcome.

The contest featured two basketball powerhouses, with each having notched 30-plus wins. The title game loss wrapped up an otherwise spectacular tournament run for the Pioneers, who had dominated opponents almost every step of the way.

The Pioneers didn’t meekly enter the playoffs, either. The team finished its regular season with an impressive 26-4 record and winning the conference championship. In virtually each post-season victory, the Pioneers took control early, making it especially difficult for opponents to gain meaningful ground.

Throughout the season, the Pioneers played at an exceptionally high level, highlighted by a swarming defense, pass-happy offense and overall unselfish play. Coach Beth Jillson said numerous times how exciting it was to watch a team play with so much focus and connectivity.

All were key ingredients to the team’s stellar, historic playoff run. Still, there was much for Pioneers to be proud of.

It marked the first time in program history the Pioneers hosted and won the Division II South Central Regional Tournament; the first time the Pioneers advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight, the Final Four and the championship game; the first time a player was named conference player of the year and a first team All-American; and the first time the program recorded 30-plus wins. Additionally, Jillson became the first three-time Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year.

For Pioneer fans who were fortunate enough to witness the extraordinary season, there’s more uplifting news for you ― albeit quite disconcerting for opponents: the team returns all of its players next year.

Page last updated 9:44 PM, March 29, 2024