Mugnier, McCrewell Earn Honors as Season Ends

With the Mustangs women's basketball season coming to a close, freshman Mallory Mugnier and sophomore Dayna McCrewell earned All-Conference honors from the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (EPAC). 

The Mustangs faced tough competition in the NJCAA Region 19 this season, coming up against nationally ranked opponents such as the Northampton Community College Spartans and the Passaic County Community College Panthers.

With an overall record of 4-21 going into playoffs, the Mustangs were seeded fourth place in the EPAC and scheduled to play the Panthers of Passaic in the NJCAA Region 19 Quarterfinals. The Panthers were named the Garden State Athletic Conference champions this season after earning a 18-5 overall record. The team earned multiple national poll votes and were ranked in the top ten best teams in the NJCAA for much of the season.

The playoff game started with a stumble for the Mustangs, who dropped 0-7 in the first few minutes of play. However, the underdog battled back to come within three points of the Panthers just before half time. The Panthers went into the locker room with a slight 21-18 lead over the Mustangs.

In the second half the Mustangs were pumped up to overtake the Panthers, but the number one seeded team did not give them any room. The Panthers began to run away with the game, leading by 20 points with just over 12:00 minutes remaining in the game.

The Mustangs fought back to come within eight points of the Panthers at the 7:00 mark. The teams struggled with a close score all the way through the finish. Ultimately, the Panthers earned an advancement to the Region 19 Semifinals with a 56-46 win over the Mustangs.

Mustangs Athletic Director Bruce Bach watched the game from the stands. "It was such an exciting game to see," said Bach. "Our Mustangs put up a valiant effort and never gave up against a very worthy opponent."

Head Coach Kelly Donohue echoed Bach's sentiment. "I thought the girls really battled tonight," commented Donohue. "I am proud of their efforts this year."

Mugnier led the team with 15 points, followed by sophomore Amelia Stockman with 14, McCrewell with 10 and Samantha Kidd with seven.

Mugnier is ranked 33rd in the nation for points per game with 16.1 and seventh in the nation in blocks, with a total of 65 for the season. Mugnier also tallied 371 points, 41 steals, 50 assists and 108 rebounds. For her offensive efforts, Mugnier was awarded a spot on the EPAC All-Conference First Team this year. 

McCrewell led the Mustangs defensively, but contributed as an all-around player as well. McCrewell is ranked 13th in the nation for rebounds, racking up 266 rebounds this season. She is also ranked 4th in the nation for defensive rebounds with 221. Total in her career, she joined the 500 club this season with a total of 511 rebounds. McCrewell also accumulated 231 points, 29 steals and 68 assists this season. She was awarded a spot on the EPAC All-Conference Second Team.

Both athletes have been nominated for Regional honors, which will be announced later this month.