Hall of Fame Focus: 1985-86 Women's Basketball Team

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Over the past week and a half, the Hall of Fame Focus has highlighted the induction Class of 2009 that will be added to the Willamette University Athletics Hall of Fame this evening (Saturday, Oct. 24). As the induction ceremony rapidly approaches, the Hall of Fame Focus concludes with a look at the 1985-86 Willamette women's basketball team.

Two teams, two former head coaches and six former Willamette student-athletes will be inducted into the WU Athletics Hall of Fame this year. The induction ceremony will be held at the Salem Conference Center/Phoenix Grand Hotel. A reception is set for 5:30 p.m. (PDT) with the induction dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m.

1985-86 Womens Basketball Team
20-7, 10-0 NCIC (Champion)
Head Coach: Cheryl K. Brown

Willamette went 20-7 overall and won the WCIC with a 10-0 record. The next team to go undefeated in the conference was George Fox at 16-0 in 2007-08.

The Bearcats also went 14-6 against NAIA District 2 teams. WU lost in the first round of the NAIA District 2 Tournament to Northwest Nazarene, 75-64.

First Team All-Conference selections for Willamette and Head Coach Cheryl K. Brown in 1985-86 were Christine Suess and Natalie Marth. Suess averaged 13.6 points per game and Marth achieved 11.6 points per contest. Suess also led the team with 8.9 rebounds per game, and Lesslie Knight averaged in double figures with 10.3 points per game. Sabrina Petersen added 8.0 boards per game.

Willamette achieved a +9.5 rebound margin and limited opponents to 39.0% shooting. The Bearcats were 11-2 at home and 9-5 on the road. WU had a 13 game winning streak during the season.