The WVU women’s basketball team has consistently been one of the most under appreciated on campus.
The team always seems to be in the Top 25 and always clinches a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
That’s the case in 2016, too.
The Mountaineers earned a No. 6 and will face off against No. 11 seed Princeton in Columbus. This is the 11th consecutive trip to the “big dance” for the WVU women and eighth for head coach Mike Carey.
As big of an accomplishment this is for Carey, he feels it’s an even bigger honor for his team.
"“I think it says a lot about these young ladies,” said Carey. “We have 11 new players, eight of them are freshmen. To get a 6-seed in the NCAA tournament, they did a great job this year. I am very proud of them. Now, they have to learn that when you lose a game, you are out. Everyone is going to play a little bit harder, and everyone is going to play a little bit quicker. We have to get prepared for that.”"
The WVU women are never rebuilding, they are just reloading.
Last season, the Mountaineers had three seniors and advanced to the finals of the NIT.
Like the men’s team, the WVU women utilize a strong bench and take full advantage of the team’s bench play.
Three players (Bria Holmes, Teana Muldrow and Tynice Martin) average double figures in scoring. Lana Montgomery averages eight rebounds a game and has more than 250 on the year.
The Mountaineers went 24-9 and 12-6 within the Big 12 Conference, this year.
Now, the WVU women can make history by advancing to the Sweet 16. As consistent as the Mountaineers have been, their postseason success has been limited. Carey has taken the team to a postseason tournament in 12 of his 15 seasons.
His ability to attract top, team-oriented talent year-in and year-out has put the Mountaineers in a solid position. They are one of the top programs on the east coast and can make an even better name for themselves with a deep run in this tournament.