This past Wednesday Waynesburg lost to Chatham 60-51 in their final home game of the season. 

Waynesburg was eliminated from the Presidents’ Athletic Conference tournament with the loss against Chatham, finishing fifth in the south division.

Waynesburg started the first quarter off shooting 6 for 19 from the field, 2 for 11 from three, and one for two from the free throw line. The Yellow Jackets were down by six after the first quarter, 21-15.

Waynesburg would show challenges throughout the second and third quarter, only scoring fifteen total points in the quarters against a strong Chatham defense. The score was 43-30 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Yellow Jackets would start a push to make a comeback in the fourth. 

Waynesburg went on a 11-0 run in the fourth, however it would not be enough for the Yellow Jackets as they would fall, losing 60-51.

The leading scorers in this match for Waynesburg were senior Kalista Friday, and junior Kara McFadden, having nine points each. Senior Clara-Paige Miller led the team in rebounds with eight. 

Senior Tori Wesolowski talked about how a chapter is coming to a close for her as she played her final game in the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse, saying.

“Playing in Rudy Marisa one last time at Waynesburg means closing a chapter that shaped me. It represents four years of growth, sacrifice, teamwork, and resilience,” Wesoloski said. “It’s where I built lifelong friendships and learned discipline balancing basketball. Walking off that court is emotional, but I’m proud of the legacy and memories I leave behind.”

Senior Aubrey Burns said that her last time playing in the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse had a surreal feel to it.

“Freshman year that moment felt like it was forever away but in a blink of an eye it was here. It was incredible to have the gym as full as it was for my last game at Waynesburg,” Burns said.

Burns went on to say that she remains so grateful for all of the people around her in her career. 

“I am so grateful for all my teammates who made playing at the college level fun, exciting and memorable. I’m grateful for everyone who came to watch the lady j’s all year. Most of all I’m grateful for my family who supported me and gave me everything I need to succeed,” Burns said. “The last game at Rudy Marisa is a moment I won’t forget, even though we lost because that gym holds memories from games, practice, open gym and even from before my time here even started.”

Senior Liv Ammons said about how much her last game at home meant for her as she faced challenges throughout her career.

“Playing in the Rudy one last time brought on so many feelings of gratitude. Sharing the home court with my best friends—the place where we built some of our most meaningful memories—was something I’ll never take for granted,” Ammons said. “My career at Waynesburg looked much different than the other seniors on the court, as I battled significant back-to-back injuries.”

Ammons the past two years has had her seasons cut short due to ACL injuries leading optimism for her career.

“There were moments in my journey when I didn’t know if I would ever be able to play basketball again. Because of that, being fortunate enough to return brought a sense of grief for what could have been, but it also gave me space to reflect on my resilience, perseverance, and my love for Waynesburg Basketball,” Ammons said. “Finishing the season healthy and surrounded by the people that I love, in the Fieldhouse one last time, was truly bittersweet.”

Waynesburg’s final season match will be on the road against Washington & Jefferson on Feb. 20. Tip-off is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.