The Observer, January 25, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 14
Poor shooting, tough WashU doom Spartans
Despite three Spartans scoring in double digits, the women's basketball team fell to a strong Washington University team Sunday night in St. Louis.
Taking the lead after 28 seconds, the Bears never looked back. With a strong starting five and a deep roster, WashU was able to set the pace of the game and make things difficult for Case's offense.
"The way they stepped on the floor, their outward confidence, is something you can't teach. There's always something you can take from losing to a team like that," said head coach Jennifer Reimer.
The girls' shooting woes continued as the Spartans shot 30 percent from the floor, in contrast to the 50 percent statistic from the win over Emory on Jan. 12.
"They exposed something we've been working on the last few weeks, [patience in selection of shots]," said Reimer.
Senior captain Mary Herendeen, the team's leader in three-point shooting, was limited to only five attempts from beyond the arc because of WashU's defense.
"They knew we have the three-point shot and they definitely worked to take it away. Our team was getting pressured so much it felt like we needed to take shots whenever and wherever we had any kind of chance," said Herendeen.
Defense and rebounds, normally strong points of this year's team, became convoluted against the 11-3 Bears.
"Washington University was a very physical game. I thought there could have been a couple over-the-backs; we just didn't get the calls," said freshman Beth Andrasik.
Another factor hampering the Spartans' defense was the unlucky acquisition of two quick personal fouls by Herendeen, leaving Case in a defensive disadvantage.
"It made our whole team nervous I think-one of our captains in trouble so soon. Right as coach was looking to put me in her place, Mary turned to her and told her no. It showed a lot of courage, and was an example to the team," said freshman guard Caitlin Henry.
Trailing 47-23 at the break, Reimer worked to get her team motivated and to come out in the second half firing on all cylinders.
"She just goes crazy. She has a bunch of sayings and plays on words that get us relaxed. Then, to get back to business, she takes a deep breath and says 'now here's what we need.' She explains whatever we need to improve on in the next half," said Andrasik.
Reimer's talk must have done something in the second half on Jan. 20, because the Spartans won the second half battle, outscoring the Bears 34-32.
"The main thing was not to give up. It says a lot about what our team is made of. If we'd come out in the first half like we did in the second, we would have been in much better shape at the half, even with a chance to win. They just capitalized in the beginning and we didn't," said Herendeen.
Starting out with three away games to get acclimated to the UAA, the Spartans had a bit of trial by fire, facing tough Chicago and WashU teams, a combined 5-1 in conference play.
"I think it was actually good to start away in the UAA. Now we'll have so much energy in our own gym. We've seen some of the better teams, so we'll know how to adjust for next time," said Henry.
The one constant that continued against WashU was excellent free throw shooting. Case was 12-16 from the charity stripe in the physical first half.
"Would we like to beat them? Yes. But when we play these teams again we put ourselves in better position and maybe luck will fall our way," said Reimer.
The Lady Spartans play again today at 6 p.m. against the Carnegie Mellon Tartans. The Tartans are 0-3 in the UAA and are coming off losses to Emory and New York University.
"I'm frustrated with losing. I'm hoping to get a little revenge and take it out on CMU. We're going out there and proving to the UAA teams that Case is to be reckoned with," said Andrasik.
