Heading into the WNIT Championship Saturday, four Jackrabbit seniors knew they were playing in their last collegiate game.

It was apparent within the game’s first few minutes that it would be the memorable sendoff they all deserved. Backed by 5,263 Frost Arena fans, South Dakota State University crushed Seton Hall out of the gate before cruising to an 82-50 win over the Pirates in the most lopsided championship game in tournament history.

And with it came a proper sendoff for Haley Greer, Tylee Irwin, Addison Hirschman and Lauren Rongisch, who all saw their Jackrabbit careers come to an end that day.

So, the Collegian Editorial Board would like to thank those four women’s basketball seniors for their time and dedication to SDSU women’s basketball.

Late in the game, Greer, Irwin, Hirschman and Rongisch all took the floor together with WNIT tournament MVP Myah Selland. Coach Aaron Johnston later removed the four seniors to a standing ovation as they walked off the court for the final time.

What a perfect way to end your college basketball career – a standing ovation in front of your home fans on your way to celebrating a championship.

It was a fitting ending for them considering the disappointment they felt after losing to USD in the Summit League championship and losing out on a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Despite that devastating loss to the Coyotes, the Jackrabbits received an invitation to the WNIT and a chance to salvage the season and give the seniors their proper sendoff.

They did not disappoint, playing every game at Frost Arena and winning its first championship since joining Division I.

“To be able to end on a win at home, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending,” Irwin said after the game Saturday. “I just can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else than I am right now. I have no regrets.”

Irwin played 28 minutes in her final game, scoring seven points with six rebounds and three assists. And with 7:34 left in the game, the Wahpeton, North Dakota native hit a 3-pointer, the last three of her 1,379 career points, which is 18th on the all-time Jackrabbit scoring list.

Greer played two seasons at SDSU after transferring from Colgate and was an important role player who, along with Hirschman and Rongisch, provided key leadership and experience for the team.

The Collegian and SDSU as a whole are proud of the accomplishments of these four women, and look forward to what they will accomplish in the future.