This article was originally published prior to June 2, 2013. Due to a change in the content management systems, the initial publication date in not available. 

The Baker University women’s basketball team defeated Missouri Valley College 66-57 Saturday in Collins Center, pulling the Wildcats out of a four-game losing streak.

The ‘Cats lost 62-39 to William Jewell College on Feb. 17, where no one on the team scored in double figures, and the team had a total of 33 turnovers.

The loss was one of many head coach Susan Decker thought was avoidable and was due to not playing up to the team’s full potential.

“I don’t think we were playing really hard. I don’t think we played with much emotion. I don’t think we played with much heart,” Decker said. “Those things, when you don’t play hard, teams in our conference are good enough to beat you on nights like that.”

The game against Missouri Valley was a complete turnaround for the Wildcats from their previous few games.

Senior JaNeil Robinson said before the game the Wildcats tried to get pumped for the game in a different way than usual, which helped the team get motivated to play.

“From our starters to our bench to our coaches, everyone gave 110 percent. Our bench was never quiet. On the floor, whoever was in there was giving 110 percent,” Robinson said.

Seniors Emily Gibson and Brittany Hines led the team with 17 points each. The team had only six turnovers going into halftime, a small number compared to the previous games.

Despite the large numbers by Gibson and Hines, Decker said the win came from the whole team putting up a fight.

“There was a lot more that went into us winning than just looking at the stats sheets,” Decker said. “I just thought it was a really good team effort from top to bottom.”

The victory was a much-needed confidence booster for the Wildcats.

“I think that now we have the momentum that we’ll finish up the year with two more wins and then start playoffs and do good at playoffs,” senior Courtney Goodrum said.

The Wildcats have a 9-9 record in the conference and a record of 14-14 for the season.

The team plays  MidAmerica Nazarene University at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Olathe.

The ‘Cats play their last regular season game against Graceland University at 2 p.m. Saturday in Collins Center.

Saturday’s game against Graceland is senior day and will be the last regular season game for the seven seniors on the roster.

Decker said Baker should be participating in the HAAC playoffs; it is just a matter of where the team will be seeded and where it will be going to play.