Warriors Secure WHAC Title With Road Victory Against #16 Indiana Tech, 69-66

LeVar Jackson/Rochester University

After a playoff run that saw plenty of adversity, the Warriors persevered and secured the WHAC Championship at the Schaefer Center, defeating #16 Indiana Tech 69-66. With incredibly timely plays by Celeste Mershimer and Jacara Thompson, Rochester secured its first WHAC Tournament title in program history, and the second WHAC Championship in the program's history after winning the regular season title in 2021. 

"It's a surreal feeling," Head Coach Brent Wichtner said. "This group is as resilient as they come. We've had our ups and downs this season, but we're playing our best basketball right now."

Once the first quarter tipped off, both teams were sluggish on offense. Elysia Mattos scored the first four points for Rochester. Indiana Tech didn't reach double-digit points until the one-minute mark. The quarter concluded 14-10, and ITU held the lead.

In the second quarter, ITU increased its lead and the score changed to 24-10. Rochester chipped away at the deficit, then proceeded on a 9-0 run to make it a one-point contest. Rochester went into halftime down by four, 34-30 the score.

Jacara Thompson led the Warriors in scoring with 12 points. Rochester forced double-digit steals and 17 rebounds in the first half. 

In the third quarter, Elysia Mattos scored a layup followed by two made free throws by Krystal Rice. Those possessions tied the game at 39, and the teams would continue their back-and-forth. Indiana Tech would capture the lead to end the quarter 54 to 49.

The fourth quarter was where the championship was decided, and Rochester's group of experienced veterans and newcomers stepped up big time. Defensively, the team flipped a switch and stifled Tech, and the Warriors got clutch baskets when it mattered most. 

During the quarter, Imari Martin scored six points on three straight possessions and gave Rochester the lead by one point with three minutes remaining. After Tech took the lead, Mershimer hit a huge three-point shot to give the Warriors a two-point lead late in the contest.

Jacara Thompson got an offensive rebound and scored allowing the Warriors to secure a four-point lead, and silencing the crowd. Mershimer and Mattos went to the free-throw line and hit crucial free throws to ice the game. 

As the clock hit zero, the Warriors stormed the floor in celebration, hoisting the WHAC Championship trophy in front of a stunned Indiana Tech crowd. For Rochester, the emotional victory came as a result of a shift in mindset. 

"The moment that woke us up was losing on our home floor to Siena Heights," Wichtner said. "Our focus has come together since that moment, and practices became a lot more intense. We bought into our identity."

Defensive possessions won the fourth quarter for Rochester, as ITU shot 16.7% from the field. Rochester didn't allow a single basket from three and held the rebounding edge in the closing quarter.

Senior Jacara Thompson led Rochester with 22 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Senior Elysia Mattos scored 14 points while logging four steals. Rochester hit 23 of 28 free throws in this championship matchup, including several timely ones late. 

Rochester was able to pull off an incredible playoff run to secure the title, coming off an exhilarating 2 OT victory at Siena Heights, a game which was postponed to Sunday due to a power outage. The Warriors were able to win two road playoff games against teams they failed to beat during the regular season, and will get to raise a banner as a result. 

"17 hours of travel in three days to avenge losses to the #1 and #2 teams in the conference when the lights are brightest says a lot without having to say anything," Wichtner said. 

Six seniors from this year's roster will be able to walk away with a ring to end their careers as Warriors, and a new banner will be placed on the wall at Garth Pleasant Arena. For the Warriors, this championship is about resilience and coming together. 

"This means the world to me," Wichtner said. "This group holds is special and holds a dear spot in my heart. They are an amazing group of young women, and know what it takes to be successful."

Rochester will find out about their seeding in the NAIA National Tournament this Thursday.