The Bowdoin Orient

March 9, 2001
Volume CXXXII, Number 19

Polar Bears in Sweet Sixteen

by JENN LARAIA, STAFF WRITER

   The talk among sports fans at Bowdoin has been the women's basketball team's ascent to the "Sweet Sixteen" level of the NCAA Division III tournament. Not far down on the list of sports news, is, of course, Kristi Royer '03 and her stellar play in the tournament and season thus far.
   While Royer leads the Lady Polar Bears in scoring and in rebounds, her exceptional efforts over the past few weeks have not gone unnoticed by NESCAC coaches. After starring in game against Eastern Connecticut and leading the team to victory over Salem State this past weekend, Royer was awarded the NESCAC Player of the Week.
   As Royer has already received the award this season, she's still in search of new and greater marks of distinction--a national championship, perhaps?
   This past Saturday, Bowdoin defeated Salem State in over-time to advance in the NCAA tournament. Royer led the team in scoring with 23 points and also added nine rebounds. Stellar guard Jessie Mayol '02 chipped in eleven points. Lauren Myers '01 scored eight points, while Lora Trenkle '04 and Kristina Fugate '04 each scored seven points to aid in the Bowdoin offensive.
   Also contributing to the scoring effort were Nicole Fava '03 with six points, Lindsey Bramwell '04 with five points, Courtney Trotta '04 with three points, and Jamie Bennett '01 with two points. As a team, Bowdoin proved its strength in foul shooting by sinking 29 of 35 attempts. Trenkle is ranked number one in the country for foul shooting, making 88.2 percent.
   Not only have the Lady Polar Bears experienced great feats of individual and team performances, they have also surpassed expectations to such a great degree that one has to wonder where they will end up. From NESCAC champs to a "Sweet Sixteen" appearance-the first-ever in Bowdoin women's basketball history-what a stellar season! And better yet, the competition has just heated up; the Bowdoin team has proven itself ready to face incredibly strong opponents-and to take it all the way.
   Royer comments before the game: "The team is incredibly psyched up about making it to the Sweet Sixteen and is ready to play on Friday. Going into the game, I think that one of the most important things is that we have confidence in ourselves and in our ability to play as a team; together we will achieve success." The team will take on New York University (ranked number two) on Friday night at 8:00 in Manhattan. The winner of this game will advance to play again on Saturday night in sectional finals.

Nicole Fava '03 (23) drives towards the hoop.
Bowdoin is in NYC competing for the right to advance.
(Colin LeCroy/Bowdoin Orient)