The Greek-filled student section in Alico Arena chanted Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” as the clock ticked
down Thursday night at the Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball game.
They waved their “Protect the Nest” noodles at the floundering Dolphins.
The Eagles (24-3. 17-3 A-Sun) topped Jacksonville University (8-12, 13-16) 64-59.
With the win, FGCU secured an automatic bid to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. It is the fourth time FGCU has earned a WNIT berth since moving to Division I four years ago.
The Eagles’ main goal for the JU game, however, was to clinch a piece of first place in the Atlantic Sun Conference regular-season title by winning.
When the final buzzer sounded, the FGCU bench charged the on-court players, screaming and cheering.
“We are the Champions” streamed from the arena speakers as the players reveled in their moment.
Only East Tennessee State University stood in the way for sole possession of first place in the A-Sun.
“It’s amazing,” said Sarah Hansen, a newly minted second team All-Atlantic Sun and All-Freshman selection. “Nobody expected us to have the season we had. Everybody thought this was going to be a rebuilding year, but we showed them we can play.”
Approximately 10 minutes after the game, junior Courtney Chihil sprinted up to senior All-Atlantic Sun first teamer Shannon Murphy.
“We won everything!” Chihil said.
“Oh my gosh. Give me some,” said Murphy, and they high-fived in excitement.
ETSU lost to Campbell University 60-57, knocking them out of first-place contention and putting the Eagles in the top spot—alone.
“It’s a great feeling. You work so hard from day one when school starts in August. There are days you don’t want to be there,” Murphy said. “It’s moments like this that make all those days worth it.”
It marks the second time FGCU has won the A-Sun title since moving to the Division I conference.
This is the last year of post-season probation for all FGCU teams; therefore, women’s basketball can’t compete in the NCAA tournament.
The Eagles have three games remaining on the schedule, hosting the FGCU Tournament, to prepare for their WNIT appearance. Wrapping up the title early has its benefits.
“We’re definitely going to be using our bench more over the next few games to develop (it),” said Karl Smesko, A-Sun Coach of the Year.
Murphy, Kelsey Jacobson and Chihil have averaged above 30 minutes per game, with Hansen and Eglah Griffin just less than that figure.
“I understand people will get upset if it costs us a game, but I would rather have healthy kids for the WNIT than wear these kids out any more,” Smesko said. “They’ve put in a lot.”
During the last busy two months, Smesko said they have only had about 10 “real” practices. He knows they have to “refocus to get some things cleaned up” and get players back to 100 percent health.
The Eagles’ WNIT opponent will be announced on March 14.
And as Hansen said, “The WNIT has always been our goal.”
Photo from Eagle News
Katie Donnellan 
Posted on March 2, 2011
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