WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's men's and women's basketball teams had a heartbreaking end to the 2019-20 season.
Both teams were on the verge of playing in national tournaments before the seasons were prematurely ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The men's team was hours away from playing at the 2020 NAIA National Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D., before the tournament was shut down.
The women's team was a week away from playing at home in the 2020 NCCAA National Championships and were poised to be a high seed in the field.
The decision brings an abrupt end to the Lancer careers of seniors Vironnica Drake, Micaela Box, Lexi Minix, Rachel Montgomery and Brooke Treadway (women) as well as Braxton Linville, Martin Schiele, Jaret Sons, Charlie Warner and David Holden (men).
The seniors each helped their respective program reach new heights in 2019-20.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
The men's team ends the year ranked No. 13 in the NAIA under first-year head coach Scott Moore. The Lancers scored six Top-25 upsets this season, including a season sweep of rival Bethel.
Grace reached the NAIA tournament for the first time since 2015, landing a No. 4 seed in the 32-team bracket. The Lancers will end the season with a 19-12 record. Grace's 11-7 Crossroads League mark was tied for the best league record since 2012-13.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The women's basketball team enjoyed a stellar season under head coach Dan Davis. The Lady Lancers finished the year with a 19-13 record.
Grace was on the verge of tying or breaking the all-time record for wins in a season (20), but the Lady Lancers did set the record for highest winning percentage all-time at .594.
Drake wrapped up her stellar career No. 1 in all-time scoring (1,981 points), No. 4 in rebounds (740) and No. 7 in assists (283). She is one of two players in program history to be top three in those three categories (Cheryl Myers, 1988-92).
