The game’s final buzzer sounded, signalling Cal U’s 86-69 victory over Cal Baptist to claim the Division II Women’s National Championship Friday night.
“Shanice! Shanice! Shanice!”
That was the battle cry of the Lady Vulcans as they stormed the court to celebrate the victory.
Their mantra, of course, was in memory of Shanice Clark, the Cal U women’s basketball player who passed away abruptly on January 18 after choking in her sleep. Reports later showed that Clark passed away from complications from the sickle cell trait.
Since that day, Cal U has won 19 straight games after losing just one, and the Lady Vulcans have dedicated their season to their late teammate.
“This is what we’ve all dreamed, but I’ve said it before, this was Shanice’s dream,” said senior Kaitlynn Fratz following the game. “When we were holding it in the air its like we were holding it for her.”
The signs of dedication surely surround the Cal squad. Other than their chant following games, the players lift their hands, showing four fingers for Clark, who wore No. 44. The team also put her name and number on the back of their shooting shirts.
As if that wasn’t enough, Precious Martin, Clark’s best friend, was inserted into the championship game with under a minute left.
Following the game, Cal coach Jess Storm said the presence of Clark was alive and well during their title run.
“It’s tough. It doesn’t seem real, but we know shes here,” Storm said after the game. “We saw signs that she was all around. I feel her every day. We know that shes around.”
The run that Cal made following the death of their teammate was truly inspiring. A team that wasn’t even picked to win its conference and ended up finishing second in the regular-season standings took a dream, the dream of its fallen sister and ran with it.
Everyone asked about winning the national title confirmed that the win was for Clark.
Miki Glenn’s career-high 31 points weren’t scored for her but for Clark.
Fratz’ huge shots during a key 21-0 run in the first half weren’t for her but for Clark.
And the team’s second national title in school history surely wasn’t for them but for Clark.
“It’s been amazing to stick together as a team,” Glenn said after the game. “I’m so glad that we got to do it for her.”
