AH grad Hannah Kowalski helps U of S women’s basketball team reach Final 4

SCRANTON — The University of Scranton women’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Division III Final Four March 15-16 in Salem, Virginia and freshman guard Hannah Kowalski, an Abington Heights grad, has been a key contributor for the Lady Royals throughout the season.

Kowalski is one of four members of the team who played in all 31 games. She has averaged 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while playing just under 20 minutes per game.

The ninth-ranked Lady Royals scored the final 15 points of regulation to defeat fourth-ranked Tufts (28-3), 44-40, in the Elite Eight March 9 after knocking off Christopher Newport (25-6), 57-56, March 8. Both games were played at The University of Scranton’s John Long Center

Kowalski contributed two points, six rebounds and a steal in 22 minutes against Christopher Newport and chipped in with five points, three rebounds and a team-high three assists while playing 23 minutes in the win over Tufts.

“Winning on Friday and then winning again on Saturday, I’ll never forget that feeling,” Kowalski said.

The University of Scranton (29-2), winners of 10 consecutive games, will play No. 1 Thomas More (31-0) in a national semifinal at 7:30 p.m. March 15. Second-ranked University of St. Thomas (30-1) will play third-ranked Bowdoin (30-1) in the other semifinal with the winners meeting in the championship game at 7:30 p.m. March 16.

“It’s the most incredible feeling,” Kowalski said. “I’ll admit it’s a little bit intimidating, but I’m really excited and I feel really confident being with my teammates and our coaching staff. I think we have a chance.”

Kowalski credits the returning players for helping her successfully adapt to the college game.

“Since day one, the upperclassmen were extremely welcoming,” she said. “They made all of the freshmen feel really comfortable, both on and off the court. During practice, they’re always lifting us up and always trying to help us do things better, but also encouraging us at the same time. We’ve all been able to improve a lot because of how much they’ve helped us.”

The belief shown by The University of Scranton’s coaches also provided a boost for Kowalski.

“Both the coaching staff and the team showed a lot of confidence in me from the start and it’s been really helpful knowing that I have them behind me all the time,” she said.

Abington Heights graduate Hannah Kowalski, left, and Lily Warhaftig celebrate following The University of Scranton’s win over Tufts in the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Elite Eight March 9.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_ABJ-U-of-S-Final-4-1-1.jpgAbington Heights graduate Hannah Kowalski, left, and Lily Warhaftig celebrate following The University of Scranton’s win over Tufts in the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Elite Eight March 9. Photos courtesy of Larry Kowalski

Abington Heights graduate Hannah Kowalski cuts down a piece of the net at the John Long Center after The University of Scranton’s women’s basketball team defeated Tufts March 9 to advance to the Final Four.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_ABJ-U-of-S-Final-4-2-1.jpgAbington Heights graduate Hannah Kowalski cuts down a piece of the net at the John Long Center after The University of Scranton’s women’s basketball team defeated Tufts March 9 to advance to the Final Four. Photos courtesy of Larry Kowalski

Abington Heights grad Hannah Kowalski, a freshman guard on The University of Scranton’s women’s basketball team, drives to the basket against Tufts March 9.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_ABJ-U-of-S-Final-4-3-1.jpgAbington Heights grad Hannah Kowalski, a freshman guard on The University of Scranton’s women’s basketball team, drives to the basket against Tufts March 9. Photos courtesy of Larry Kowalski

The University of Scranton’s women’s basketball team defeated Tufts March 9 to advance to the NCAA Division III Final Four. From left, junior Lily Warhaftig, freshman Hannah Kowalski and senior captain Julia Gantz.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_ABJ-U-of-S-Final-4-4-1.jpgThe University of Scranton’s women’s basketball team defeated Tufts March 9 to advance to the NCAA Division III Final Four. From left, junior Lily Warhaftig, freshman Hannah Kowalski and senior captain Julia Gantz. Photos courtesy of Larry Kowalski