The Journal

Issue date: 2/23/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Mariano Ulibarri Lauren Lux

An uncontested lay-up is usually the result of a turnover or a defensive breakdown. It will enter the stat sheet as a field goal and will perhaps be fumed about by an opposing coach for a moment and then, in the great scheme of things, ultimately forgotten.

On Feb. 21 Webster Universities women's basketball team hosted their counterparts from Greenville University. Those in attendance at Webster's Grant Gymnasium were witnesses to a different type of uncontested lay-up. It was a lay-up by Webster senior captain Lauren Lux that could never be described as accidental.

It was a lay-up drawn up day's before - but not on any chalkboard. It was a play developed in the hearts and minds of Lux's coaches and teammates. It was a play that brought Lux to tears when she was told it was really going to happen.

This play became even more impressive because the opposing coach and team knew it was coming, and comfortably did nothing to stop it. A gracious and considerate few came together to give Lux one final triumphant moment in a career that delivered very few of them.

"It will be a nice way to finish her Webster career on a high note," said Webster head coach Amber Daulbuagh.

Lux has forged through a trying collegiate basketball career. A career deluged with multiple leg injuries and horrific family tragedies. She hadn't suited up for Webster since Jan. 11 of this year when she wrecked her knee for hopefully the last time.

Through it all Lux, who is described by her coaches and teammates with glowing terms like "terrific" and "trooper," persevered.

On Feb. 21 that attitude was rewarded with two points and a standing ovation from every one in the gym.

Lux, sporting a bulky knee brace and Gorlok uniform, was introduced to the crowd as a starter and, after gathering with her Webster teammates, hobbled towards the Greenville basket for the tip-off.

Greenville won the unchallenged tip and a scored a prearranged lay-up. Webster inbounded to mid-court where, fittingly, senior co-captain Kim Sheets found the perfectly wide-open Lux. It would be the Gorlok duo's final on court interaction in the gym that they'd called home for years. An official timeout was called and Lux left the floor to numerous hugs and deafening cheers.

Lux's final line that night read: 1 of 1 from the floor in one minute of playing time. She will finish her career with 154 total points but undoubtedly 153 and 154 will be the most memorable.

"It was nice to have my last time on a court not end up with me being carried off of it," Lux said.


Tom Parr, a junior journalism major, is the sports editor for The Journal.

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