2008 Woodie Awards
WBB defeats rival QU; Rubino does it all on Senior Day
Mike Barrett
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: Sports
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With the win the Pioneers finish the regular season undefeated at home with a 15-2 NEC record. The Pioneers' 22 regular season wins is a new record for the team, which amassed 21 wins in the 2003-04 season.
Before tip-off, Rubino, a senior from Port Jefferson, N.Y., was honored by her team and coaches. She was met at half court and was given flowers and gifts from her teammates, which drew the first of several standing ovations from the crowd.
Rubino then stepped onto the court and had a game to remember. She finished the game as the leading scorer, tying a career-high 27 points. She also added three assists, three rebounds and three steals.
"I have to give credit to my teammates; they really get me going out there," Rubino said.
"Nicolle played a great game out there and proved what a leader she is for us," Coach Ed Swanson said. "I couldn't be happier for her today."
Helping Rubino and the Pioneers past the Bobcats were her fellow captains, junior guards Amanda Pape and Kerri Burke. Pape finished the game with 19 points, five assists, six rebounds, and seven steals while Burke had ten points, two rebounds, and a season-high nine assists.
"We came ready to play," Burke, a junior from Saugus, Mass., said. "Especially Nicolle; she just led by example for us today."
The trio of captains also had help from Jasmine Walker. The star center recorded a double-double in the game, racking up 11 points and 10 rebounds. She also added two blocks on defense.
The Pioneers fell behind two minutes into the game, but combined efforts from Rubino and Pape lifted the Pioneers past the Bobcats. The Pioneers took the lead three minutes into the game and never looked back.
"We played a more reflective game today. It showed that we are a complete, well rounded team," Pape said.
Tough defensive play defined the game for the Pioneers. SHU kept guard Erin Kerner and forward Monique Lee of QU in check throughout the game, holding them to 10 and six points, respectively. The defense also forced 27 turnovers, which led to 30 points for Sacred Heart.