By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Western Illinois’ season didn’t end with the loss in the semifinals of the Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball tournament.

The Leathernecks got a postseason bid late Sunday night, when they were chosen for the WNIT, and they got a home game to go with it.

Western Illinois (16-16) will play host to Lipscomb (20-11) in a first-round game at 6 p.m. Thursday at Western Hall.

It’s the fourth WNIT bid for the Leathernecks.

Western Illinois is led by sophomore Raegan McCowan, whose 21.9 points per game average ranks 12th nationally. Mia Nicastro averages 15 points.

Lipscomb finished third in the ASUN Conference. The Bison are led by Bella Vinson, who averaged 14.6 points.

Photo: Western Illinois’ Raegan McCowan (12) and her teammates got a postseason bid, qualifying for the WNIT. (Photo courtesy of the Ohio Valley Conference)