Will Now Face-off Against Quinnipiac in NEC Semifinals
With the regular season over, the Universities women’s basketball team defeated Long Island University-Brooklyn this past Saturday 68-56 in the quarterfinal game for the 2012 Northeast Conference Tournament. Thirdseed Hawks rivaled the number six Blackbirds, beating them for a third time this season.
Together the team worked hard for their defeat. “The game went good,” Junior Abigail Martin stated “The game went good and we played well as a team too.”
Head Coach Jenny Palmateer was excited about the girls win. She explained how the team had a successful first half, hitting three pointers to give them a safe lead. LIU came back wanting revenge for their previous two losses against the Hawks. However, the team did not allow any room for a win.
Junior Alysha Womack played a tough game with 23 points and a strong first half. With her help, they were able to spring ahead from the beginning. Martin had her fourth double-double of the season by scoring 14 points with 10 rebounds.
Junior Chevannah Paalvast scored eight points and had a career high five steals and two blocked shots.
Even with a sprained ankle, senior Alexis Canady was able to triumph over LIU with 13 points. With her first attempt at a threepointer it was obvious that not even her injury could hold her back from pushing herself further along in the game. Wearing her boot during practice and working hard in rehab the week leading up to the game, she felt comfortable and prepared to play. The team felt a spark with her perseverance to come out and play.
Early on in the game, the Hawks took a six-point lead with the help of three three-pointers from Canady. Once LIU began to catch up to the Hawks lead, the girls switched into high gear. Throughout the rest of the first half, the Hawks continued to work hard by making the score 42-23 at halftime.
In the second half, LIU began to fight back after gaining 25 out of the next 32 points getting within six of the Hawks. However, Gabby Singer was able to knock down a vital three-pointer to give the Hawks the ball once again. The lead sprung back up after a lay-up by Martin, which held the Blackbirds from ever getting closer than nine points.
Palmateer also commented on having the most assisted turnovers in this game. This meant that they were able to shoot and move the ball well. Although the Hawks dominated the first half, the Blackbirds came back fighting in the second. Luckily, LIU did not break down the Univer- sities momentum and drive, because they continued on for the win.
Everyone on the team was able to contribute to the big victory. “Being able to use our bench the way we did was huge,” explained Palmateer. “It’s nice when we look a little tired to throw someone out there and not feel like we’re losing a lot. It was overall a total team win.”
The team knows what changes they need to make with their upcoming opponent. With the Quinnipiac game around the corner, they have been studying and watching film in preparation. The Hawks know they want to add to their already strong defensive game to make them even tougher.
The Hawks are very excited for all of their upcoming games. They know they need to continue playing their game in order to make it further in the tournament. If they are able to do so, the possibilities for the Hawks are endless.
PHOTO COURTESY of MU Photography
