2 former area athletes help lead Ashland to 52 straight victories

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Ashland University women’s basketball team has reached historic heights, and two former area athletes have played a key roles in helping the Eagles.

The Eagles have won an NCAA DII women’s record 52 games in a row. That goes back to last season when they went 37-0 and won the national title and includes their 15-0 start this year. Their roster includes former Maysville Panther Brooke Smith and former River View Black Bear Andi Daugherty.

Daugherty has started in all 15 games this year for the Eagles and is averaging 14 points per game. Smith, a junior, is coming off the bench and averaging 7 points a game. Both had stellar careers for their respective high schools and have played key roles in Ashland’s success.

The Eagles are just five wins away from the all time DII record for consecutive wins, regardless of male or female.

“People have called us the UCONN of Division II. We have a long way to get there. But it’s a fun journey. I hope to win the next five games. Not to break the streak, but to keep this undefeated record that we have going so far,” said Daugherty.

The Eagles next play Thursday against Grand Valley State at home