Correspondent photo / David Dermer. YSU head coach Melissa Jackson hugs sixth-year guard Casey Santoro after subbing out at the end of the Penguins' Super 16 loss to Marshall in the WNIT on Friday at Zidian Family Arena.

YOUNGSTOWN — After Youngstown State lost in the Horizon League championship game more than two weeks ago, the Penguins were understandably dejected and disappointed.

They had fallen short of their goal of a league crown and an NCAA tournament bid. Yet despite the loss, they knew that more postseason basketball still awaited them.

There was a different feeling in the air in the aftermath of YSU’s 72-46 loss to Marshall in the Super 16 of the WNIT on Friday night at Zidian Family Arena.

A feeling of finality had settled in amongst the Penguins, as a season filled with new milestones and achievements was over.

“It’s a different feeling, obviously having the break and some time to reflect on the year,” YSU head coach Melissa Jackson said. “We were really upset after we lost in the championship game. We really wanted that one, and this was just a little bit different. Obviously the outcome plays a role in that too.”

In Jackson’s second season, the Penguins won 25 games for the first time in 28 years, while also making it to Indianapolis and the Horizon League final for the first time in program history.

“It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling because I think we definitely made history in Youngstown this year with our season and everything,” redshirt freshman forward Sarah Baker said. “So I think that’s something that we can keep our heads up high and not dwell on this game because this game doesn’t represent what we did all year.”

At the same time, what started as a young group with eight freshmen and sophomores when the team first met in June, certainly wasn’t “young” anymore by the time YSU concluded the season at the end of March.

“I looked every single one of them in the eye and the growth that each and every one of them had this year has been tremendous,” Jackson said. “We are so proud of this group, so proud of what we have accomplished. Like I told them, Youngstown State women’s basketball is back, and we’re excited about it.”

Against the Thundering Herd, the Penguins kept things close in the first quarter with their defense. But by halftime, Marshall led 36-24 and proceeded to balloon its lead in the second half.

The Herd spread YSU out defensively and used their speed to attack the Penguins off the dribble. Marshall got to the rim almost at will, as it dominated at the basket, outscoring YSU in the paint 48-20.

“Give Marshall a ton of credit. Watching them on film, you focus on their ability to shoot the three. We knew we had to take that away,” Jackson said. “But they can really beat you off the bounce too with [Timberlynn] Yeast and [Timaya Lewis-Eutsey]. [Lewis-Eutsey] is a hell of a guard. I thought Erica [King] did her best against her, but they spread you out and then they started slipping us on ball screens. It was a tough guard for us.”

On the flip side, the Penguins looked out of sorts for most of the night offensively. But Marshall’s aggressive zone had a lot to do with that.

The Herd held YSU to its lowest scoring total since it scored 40 in a loss at Robert Morris on Jan. 21. The Penguins shot 29% from the floor and had just one player score in double figures — Baker, who finished with 14 points, 10 coming in the second half.

“Their zone was pretty suffocating for us,” Baker said. “We had a hard time doing our usual sets, getting into the post, getting it moving. I feel like we were pretty stagnant.”

Correspondent photo / David Dermer. YSU guard Hayden Barrier looks on in the final seconds of the Penguins’ Super 16 loss to Marshall in the WNIT on Friday at Zidian Family Arena.

Lewis-Eutsey led four double-figure scorers for the Herd, finishing with 20 points, while Meredith Meier and Leyocha Marigney each had 14.

As YSU prepares to head into the offseason, most of the Penguins will have the choice to return next year, with the transfer portal set to officially open on April 6. Retaining them, like it did last year, is YSU’s No. 1 priority in the coming weeks.

“We’ve got a lot of young kids, a lot of young kids that love our program,” Jackson said. “They believe in this coaching staff, they believe in what we’re doing. … Having those conversations, I think they really love being here. Obviously we had a great year, but we fell short on some things. We want to cut down nets, we want to win championships. So I know that will be the driving force and motivation in the offseason.”

But for YSU’s lone senior, Casey Santoro, Friday’s loss marked the end of a decorated college career.

She provided a crucial blend of experience and leadership for YSU’s young squad, while also helping guide the program to new heights. Santoro played 38 minutes and finished with seven points in her final game.

“I remember that first phone call I had with Casey. When she wanted to come to Youngstown, she wanted to do something really special and I knew then the winner that we had,” Jackson said. “Boy, did she win, and she led this team to a lot of wins. We’ll be forever grateful for her.”