The Observer, January 28, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 15
Slow starts stall Lady Spartans despite efforts
In both games last weekend, the Case Lady Spartans were unable to get things going offensively in the first half, and it came back to haunt them. Part of the offensive misfortunes for Case can be attributed to the absence of senior point guard Keesha Allen, who missed both games due to an injury.
In Friday's game against third-ranked Brandeis, Case started slowly, shooting only 21 percent in the first half as the Judges rolled to a 35-17 lead. The Spartans committed 12 turnovers in the half and were out-rebounded by a margin of 29-16. With 7:30 remaining in the second half, the Judges increased their lead to 23 points, making the score 58-35. The Spartans countered with a 14-1 run highlighted by three-pointers from Dana Dempsey and Mary Herendeen. However, the Spartans could not get within 10 points of the lead as the Judges went on to win by a score of 71-56. Dempsey finished with 21 points (15 in the second half) to be the only Spartan in double figures, while the Judges' Caitlyn Malcolm went 19-22 from the free throw line and finished with 29 points.
On Sunday, the Spartans gave a valiant effort but fell to the ninth-ranked Violets of New York, 65-59. Case shot only 35 percent in the opening half but kept the score close as New York went to the locker room with a 23-22 lead. To start the second half, the Lady Spartans caught fire, using a 16-6 run to give them a 38-29 lead with 14:18 remaining in the game. However, the Violets countered with a 10-0 run of their own, regaining the lead 39-38 with 12:45 remaining, and they never looked back. New York's lead peaked at nine points with 2:24 remaining before the final score was set at 65-59. The Spartans were led by junior forward Carmen Rowan's double-double as she had 10 points and 12 rebounds. Dempsey played inspired basketball in the second half, scoring 11 of her team-high 14 points. Freshman forward Ashley Horton also provided a reliable scoring threat, adding 12 points. The Spartans again suffered handling the ball, though, as they committed 18 turnovers without the services of Allen.
Despite the defeat, the ladies played a solid game and were satisfied with their efforts.
"Everybody left it all on the floor," said junior guard Amber Hammell, who leads the team with a 12.5 scoring average. "When we got back to the locker room, we were all dead tired. We played well, but it just didn't work out."
"We just messed up on the little things," added junior center Maria Rohrig. "Our effort's there, but we have little mental lapses."
Even though the team is not about to make any excuses, the absence of Allen, the only senior on the team, is a considerable one.
"We're definitely missing her leadership," Hammell explained. "She adds a lot of fire to our defense. She's a spark."
Another UAA home doubleheader graces the Spartan schedule this weekend. Tonight, the University of Rochester comes to the Veale Center for a 6 p.m. tip-off. On Sunday afternoon, the Spartans will host Carnegie Mellon University at 3 p.m. This will be a great opportunity for Case fans to catch their basketball teams in action while the NFL takes a week off.
