UC Clermont women’s basketball wins national championship
Victory marks second title in program history for the Lady Cougars
The UC Clermont women’s basketball team has claimed the 2023 Small College Division II National Championship for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
The Lady Cougars went on a 24-0 run spanning eight minutes over the first and second periods en route to a 60-46 win over the Johnson & Wales Charlotte Wildcats to capture the championship Thursday, March 16, at Virginia State University.
UC Clermont (20-7) was paced by senior Ashley Moore (Felicity-Franklin) with 27 points and nine assists, while junior Tyra Murphy (Conor/Ky.) added 14 points to go with 14 rebounds, and graduate student Kristi Duncan (Mt. Notre Dame) chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“It’s surreal,” said Head Coach Ken Lowe. But the team had unfinished work from last year when they landed in the final four. “Our goal this season was the national championship. It came to fruition.”
Lowe said UC Clermont won the championship game by playing to their strengths, slowing down a faster Johnson Wales team and taking their shots. The Lady Cougars averaged 79 points a game this season.
“We play an up-tempo game and learn to make adjustments,” said Lowe. “We shoot well. We share the ball well.”
Beyond the court, Lowe said a positive team culture and upperclassmen leadership were the driving forces behind this squad’s success. The team included seven freshmen, but also a handful of returning players who had experienced playing in the big tournament moments last season.
We understand the lifestyle our students live — they have to work, go to school and play ball. We’re proud of these players, and we hope to continue to move forward.
Ken Lowe Head coach
“Captain Ashley Moore especially knew how to bring the team together,” Lowe said of the senior, who has also played at Cincinnati State and Wabash College in Illinois and coaches youth basketball. “The players came together throughout the season, and there were no conflicts — great locker room.”
UC Clermont has competed in the national tournament three of the last five seasons and previously won a national championship in 2014. Lowe, who has been with the program for nine years and served as head coach for five, said he’s impressed with how players juggle the demands of being student-athletes. Lowe and Assistant Coach Tim Swart said the skill level and dedication of recruits continue to grow as well.
“We understand the lifestyle our students live — they have to work, go to school and play ball,” Lowe said. “We’re proud of these players, and we hope to continue to move forward.”
Featured image at top: UC Clermont women’s basketball team celebrates their national championship win in Virginia Beach Thursday, March 16. Photo/USCAA
Related Stories
UC Is Closed on Monday
February 15, 2003
Due to inclement weather and road conditions, the University of Cincinnati will be closed all day Monday, Feb. 17.
Bridgeman to Lecture on Terrorism Tools and Threats
March 3, 2003
UC expert Ed Bridgeman will be sharing information on terrorists and their weapons at an on-campus lecture on March 6. The talk is free and open to the public.
UC Expert Details Terrorism Risks to Student Audience
March 6, 2003
Terrorism expert Ed Bridgeman of UC's Clermont College offered information about terrorists and the kinds of theats the pose during a lecture on UC's West Campus Thursday.
Commencement Today: Watch Live Via the Web!
March 30, 2003
One Web site gives you the scoop on this year's Commencement.
General Education Update: What's Ahead
June 3, 2003
A new report on UC's revised General Education Program examines what has been accomplished since the program was first launched in fall 2001, as well as what's ahead.
Clermont To Offer Three New Programs This Fall
August 5, 2003
Clermont College is introducing offerings this fall in horticulture therapy, interactive media, and courses that will lead to technical certification from computing giant Cisco.
New Programs at a Glance: Women's Studies, Astrophysics, Brain & Mind and More
August 10, 2003
A "brainy" new program, a new major in women's studies as well as programs in astrophysics, ethnic studies and an online master's degree in educational administration are among the new offerings at UC this year. For more complete information, read this story.
UC Cultivates a New Idea: Horticulture Therapy
August 28, 2003
Better health can stem from working with plants. Thus, a new series of courses at the University of Cincinnati seeks to spread horticulture therapy skills among human-service providers.
UC Represented at National College Fair Downtown
September 16, 2003
UC will be represented at the Cincinnati National College Fair which will take place from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Cincinnati Convention Center.
The Learning Center, President's Quality Service Award Winner
September 25, 2003
What is TLC? It's Tender Loving Care and The Learning Center at Clermont College.