2008 Woodie Awards
Pack the Pitt:Men's and women's hoops down QU in front of record crowd
Sowinski's career-high leads SHU past Bobcats and into first place
Molly Rosa
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Sports
Quinnipiac and Sacred Heart entered Saturday battling for first place at the Pitt Center, where the women's basketball team was able to overpower the undefeated Bobcats, 92-82.
Junior Kaitlin Sowinski scored a career-high 33 points and earned her second double double in two games leading the Pioneers to a 7-1 record in the NEC. She was also named Sacred Heart/ Enterprise Athlete of the Week.
"Sowinski has played unbelievable, she has really stepped up her role as a key player," said head coach Ed Swanson.
The tension was high as students packed the Pitt for Saturday's game versus the cross-town rivals. The Pioneers were able to keep the Bobcats at bay for most of the first half, led by Sowinski and freshman Alisa Apo.
However, with two minutes until the break, a long three by Quinnipiac forward Mandy Pennewell spurred a 7-0 run, putting the Bobcats up 35-30 with a minute left to play in the half.
The Pioneers quickly responded, with a run of their own including a three pointer by Apo with only seconds remaining to cut the lead to two, 37-35.
The Bobcats picked up right where they left, keeping Sacred Heart at bay, starting the half of with a 10-2 run, capped off by a Courtney Kaminski three to stretch Quinnipiac's lead to eight.
Sacred Heart battled back with a run of their own, on the backs of Sowinski and two crucial threes by junior Stephanie Ryan, putting the Pioneers up by three.
In the last five minutes the ball seemed to be in anyone's court. With 4:30 left, Sacred Heart grabbed the advantage when Ryan scored and was fouled, firing the Pioneers ahead 73-71.
Apo then put the game ice for Sacred Heart, after completing a three point play with 1:57 left to play and putting the Pioneers up 82-75. The Pioneers would keep the game out freach, hitting 10-12 of their final foul shots.
Apo matched her career-high set last Monday night against Fairleigh Dickinson with 24 points including four assists, a steal and a block in the win. Ryan notched a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds to go with four assists.
Apo was also named NEC Rookie of the Week for the fourth time this year.
"This really has given us a good spirit about the season. We are looking forward what's to come," said junior Liz Gruber.
The win came in coach Swanson's 500th game at Sacred Heart,
"It is exciting having your 500th game, be at a place you believe in. All the support I am getting from the team, fans and alumni returning has really meant a lot," Swanson said.
The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday at St. Francis (N.Y.).
Junior Kaitlin Sowinski scored a career-high 33 points and earned her second double double in two games leading the Pioneers to a 7-1 record in the NEC. She was also named Sacred Heart/ Enterprise Athlete of the Week.
"Sowinski has played unbelievable, she has really stepped up her role as a key player," said head coach Ed Swanson.
The tension was high as students packed the Pitt for Saturday's game versus the cross-town rivals. The Pioneers were able to keep the Bobcats at bay for most of the first half, led by Sowinski and freshman Alisa Apo.
However, with two minutes until the break, a long three by Quinnipiac forward Mandy Pennewell spurred a 7-0 run, putting the Bobcats up 35-30 with a minute left to play in the half.
The Pioneers quickly responded, with a run of their own including a three pointer by Apo with only seconds remaining to cut the lead to two, 37-35.
The Bobcats picked up right where they left, keeping Sacred Heart at bay, starting the half of with a 10-2 run, capped off by a Courtney Kaminski three to stretch Quinnipiac's lead to eight.
Sacred Heart battled back with a run of their own, on the backs of Sowinski and two crucial threes by junior Stephanie Ryan, putting the Pioneers up by three.
In the last five minutes the ball seemed to be in anyone's court. With 4:30 left, Sacred Heart grabbed the advantage when Ryan scored and was fouled, firing the Pioneers ahead 73-71.
Apo then put the game ice for Sacred Heart, after completing a three point play with 1:57 left to play and putting the Pioneers up 82-75. The Pioneers would keep the game out freach, hitting 10-12 of their final foul shots.
Apo matched her career-high set last Monday night against Fairleigh Dickinson with 24 points including four assists, a steal and a block in the win. Ryan notched a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds to go with four assists.
Apo was also named NEC Rookie of the Week for the fourth time this year.
"This really has given us a good spirit about the season. We are looking forward what's to come," said junior Liz Gruber.
The win came in coach Swanson's 500th game at Sacred Heart,
"It is exciting having your 500th game, be at a place you believe in. All the support I am getting from the team, fans and alumni returning has really meant a lot," Swanson said.
The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday at St. Francis (N.Y.).
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