BY COLE McNANNA // Feb. 22, 2017 //

The Colonels opened the Commonwealth Coast Conference Tournament with a drive to Springfield to face the third-seeded Western New England Golden Bears.

No. 6 Curry stole the lead with an early three-pointer but that would be the last time they held onto a lead. After the 7:52 mark, the Golden Bears maintained a lead and went on to take the opening-round matchup, 57-39.

The Colonels end the season with a 10-16 record overall and an 8-10 record in the CCC while WNE moves on to face No. 2 Roger Williams on Thursday.

After being named to the All-CCC First Team on Monday, sophomore Emily Irwin cemented that status by scoring a game-high 14 points while grabbing four rebounds and a game-best four steals. Classmate Molly Plunkett finished close behind with nine points, and along with Irwin looks to take control of this Curry squad for the next two winters.

Irwin finishes the season at the top of the scoring list for the conference, tied with WNE senior Emily Anderson for 16.1 points per game. Irwin also sits atop the steals leaderboard, with 4.4 steals per her 25 games.

The Colonels now have the entire off-season to think about the end of their season but will only lose one player to graduation. Douglas’ Amanda Gresian wore the Purple and White for her last time and we all thank her for all of her contributions over her career, and wish her the best post-college.

Head coach Fran Elms along with assistant Stacy Cotter are now tasked with the reformation of the team once everything shakes out with the additions and subtractions of his squad.

There will be more basketball played and until then, be on the lookout for our spring sports previews over the next couple of weeks.

Go Colonels.