2008 Woodie Awards
Quinnipiac scrapes by women's hoops in first place showdown
Molly Rosa
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Sports
It was a battle for first place at the TD Banknorth Sports Center in Hamden on Saturday and Sacred Heart's five-game winning streak came to a halt as it lost to Quinnipiac 59-48.
"Quinnipiac took us out of our rhythm," said coach Ed Swanson.
The Pioneers gave a valiant effort but were unable to control the Bobcats who maintained the top spot in the NEC while improving their record 22-3 overall and 14-1 in the NEC. Sacred Heart fell to 18-9 overall and 13-3 in the NEC.
Quinnipiac now holds the inside track for the number one seed in the upcoming NEC Tournament.
Saturday's game marked the 22nd time head coaches Ed Swanson and Tricia Fabbri have faced each other in the rivalry between the two schools with Swanson holding a 15-6 edge.
Sacred Heart turned the ball over a season-low five times but could not overcome their poor shooting performance.
"It's simple, [Quinnipiac] made the plays that counted. They did outstanding and we didn't step up," said Swanson.
The Bobcats attacked the basket quickly as senior Nicole Duperron netted the first two points, followed by a three pointer from junior Erin Kerner.
Quinnipiac senior Monique Lee returned from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and promptly fouled junior Kaitlin Sowinski, putting Sacred Heart on the board with her two made foul shots.
The Pioneers were able to pull ahead with three pointers from Apo, senior Lisa Moray, and Ryan. With 12:21 remaining in the first half, the Pioneers had a seven-point lead, keeping the Bobcats on the tips of their paws.
Sowinski then put the Pioneers up 19-16 on a lay-in at the 8:54 mark. The Pioneer offense went cold from there, suffering an over seven and a half minute scoring drought.
Sacred Heart missed nine shots during the span and the Bobcats took advantage by piecing together a 9-0 run to lead 25-19 with 1:52 to go.
"We didn't capitalize on QU's weaknesses and our own strengths. We also didn't have a good shooting night," said Sowinski.
"Quinnipiac took us out of our rhythm," said coach Ed Swanson.
The Pioneers gave a valiant effort but were unable to control the Bobcats who maintained the top spot in the NEC while improving their record 22-3 overall and 14-1 in the NEC. Sacred Heart fell to 18-9 overall and 13-3 in the NEC.
Quinnipiac now holds the inside track for the number one seed in the upcoming NEC Tournament.
Saturday's game marked the 22nd time head coaches Ed Swanson and Tricia Fabbri have faced each other in the rivalry between the two schools with Swanson holding a 15-6 edge.
Sacred Heart turned the ball over a season-low five times but could not overcome their poor shooting performance.
"It's simple, [Quinnipiac] made the plays that counted. They did outstanding and we didn't step up," said Swanson.
The Bobcats attacked the basket quickly as senior Nicole Duperron netted the first two points, followed by a three pointer from junior Erin Kerner.
Quinnipiac senior Monique Lee returned from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and promptly fouled junior Kaitlin Sowinski, putting Sacred Heart on the board with her two made foul shots.
The Pioneers were able to pull ahead with three pointers from Apo, senior Lisa Moray, and Ryan. With 12:21 remaining in the first half, the Pioneers had a seven-point lead, keeping the Bobcats on the tips of their paws.
Sowinski then put the Pioneers up 19-16 on a lay-in at the 8:54 mark. The Pioneer offense went cold from there, suffering an over seven and a half minute scoring drought.
Sacred Heart missed nine shots during the span and the Bobcats took advantage by piecing together a 9-0 run to lead 25-19 with 1:52 to go.
"We didn't capitalize on QU's weaknesses and our own strengths. We also didn't have a good shooting night," said Sowinski.
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