A memorable farewell for Maddy Wong

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Hana Beaty

Maddy Wong dribbles the ball and attempts to get past her opposing defender.

The Wildcats were hanging on to a two point lead with under a minute left to play when Maddy Wong launched back-to-back threes, extending the lead to six points and securing the win for the Wildcats. These last two three pointers from Wong have gone down as one of the biggest moments of her career. 

It was senior night in Acker Gym, and Wong was honored with family and friends as the lone senior on the team. The Wildcats fought a tough game all night but finally came out on top 67-61 against the Sonoma State Seawolves in the last home game of the regular season. 

Her first three pointer in the final minute, which was her 219th overall three-pointer, set the CCAA career record. Her second three pointer, her 81st of the season, set the single season record.

It was quite a night that centered around the star senior, Wong. 

“I don’t think it’s hit me that this is possibly the last home game,” Wong said. “It’s just very special. It goes to show all the support from my teammates and my family kept me playing.”

Wong started the game red hot. Wong buried three early three-point shots, securing an 11-6 lead from the start. The Seawolves responded with their own 9-0 run and took over for most of the first half.

Ugochi Anudokem, a 6-foot-1-inch Sonoma State senior from San Jose, had her way in the paint. The Seawolves consistently kept feeding her down low for most of the game. 

“They pounded it inside all night,” head coach Brian Fogel said. “She was good, but I thought Hannah Washington really battled and did a nice job. She got a few steals and was able to help on the back side.”

After Wong’s hot start, she cooled down and the Wildcats relied on consistent jumpshots from sophomore forward Haley Ison. 

“We are very happy and proud of how we played,” Ison said. “We knew we wanted to come out and get this win for Maddy. We were tied with Sonoma coming into tonight, so it was a big decider once the conference playoffs start.” 

Entering the second half, both teams kept scoring buckets with neither team establishing their lead. Both squads continued to fight.

Wong took over with one minute left and secured the win on her senior night. Head coach Brian Fogel said the game could not have been scripted any better.

“Wong is one of the hardest working kids,” Fogel said. “She comes in and shoots and shoots and shoots, so all the hard work is paying off. I am extremely proud of her.”

The Wildcats will be back on the court Feb. 27 as they take on Humboldt State at 5:30 p.m. in their first home playoff game.  

Matthew Wreden can be reached at [email protected] or @MattWreden70 on Twitter.