IC's Wightman Breaks Two Records; Named MWC Performer Of The Week In Women's Basketball

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. -  The Illinois College women's basketball team continued their Midwest Conference schedule with two rematch decisions against Grinnell College and Cornell College last week. In each game, IC's Ashlyn Wightman etched her name deeper into the women's basketball record books by breaking two records. Wightman is the ONLY player in IC women's basketball history to eclipse 60+ blocks in a single-season and is NOW the ALL-TIME career blocks leader in program history with 153 blocks and counting. 

In the matchup against Grinnell College back on February 7, Wightman contributed six points and seven rebounds while adding two blocks. In the second quarter, Wightman broke the IC single-season block record with her 57th block of the season which broke her own record of 56 from last season. Wightman currently stands at 63 blocked shots on the season. 

In the rematch decision against Lake Forest on February 10, Wightman ended the game second in scoring for IC with 20 points as she collected a game-high 18 rebounds and swatted away five shots. In the second quarter, Wightman broke the ALL-TIME career blocks record with her 153rd block which broke Vickie Meiners record from 1989-1993 seasons.
 
These historic accomplishments by Wightman were capped off by being named Midwest Conference Performer of the Week for the week of February 5-11 . For the week, Wightman contributed 26 points, 25 rebounds, and seven blocks. In the two games, Wightman averaged 13 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game.

"Although I had no idea in the moment, being able to accomplish the block record on senior night on our home court with my teammates, friends, and family is a moment I won't forget. The endless support from everyone throughout the season has been tremendous and I know we all appreciate everything IC's community has done for us." said Wightman. 

With one game remaining in the regular season, Wightman currently ranks first in the conference with those 63 blocks as she has a five-block lead on Sara Booher of Grinnell College who is in second. In addition, Wightman currently ranks second in the MWC with a total of 204 rebounds as 151 came on the offensive side. Wightman carries a season average of 8.6 rebounds per game which ranks third in the conference heading into the regular season finale at Knox College Wednesday evening. 

"Ashlyn has been an instrumental part of our program from the moment she stepped on campus.  She has been an impactful post presence on both ends of the floor, has a tremendous work ethic, and is a strong leader for us too.  Her years of hard work are paying off and I am so proud of the woman she is, her contributions to our team, and everything she has accomplished so far this season.  She will definitely leave a positive legacy here at IC" said Head Coach Jennifer McCormick.