Volume CXXXIII, Number 19 March 29, 2002 f

Women make 'Elite Eight' debut in NCAA
JENNIFER LARAIA
STAFF WRITER

The Bowdoin Women's Basketball team made history over spring break, as they made their "Elite Eight" debut in the NCAA Division III tournament. The Polar Bears surpassed last year's record-breaking season, which included a trip to the "Sweet Sixteen" and a record of 21-8. The Polar Bears finished this season with a record of 26-2, which ended with a loss to St. Lawrence on March 9.

The Polar Bears make history by competing in the 'Elite Eight' competition of the NCAA Division III tournament. (Karsten Moran, Bowdoin Orient)

On March 8, the Polar Bears won their "Sweet Sixteen" game against Springfield College, with a final score of 64 to 50. Lora Trenkle '04 was the leading scorer for Bowdoin with 22 points, 15 of which were free throws. She also led the Polar Bears in rebounding, grabbing nine. Erika Nickerson '05 and Kristi Royer '03 each scored in double-figures, netting 13 and 11 points, respectively. Senior Jessie Mayol chipped in seven points and Jess Reuben '03 added four. Also contributing to the scoring effort were Alison Smith '05, Courtney Trotta '04, and Lindsey Bramwell '04. With the victory, the Polar Bears advanced to the "Elite Eight," where the team was matched up against St. Lawrence, who had defeated Ohio Wesleyan in the previous game.

On March 9, Bowdoin lost to St. Lawrence, 64 to 51. Royer was the leading scorer for Bowdoin with 17 points and also led the way in rebounding with seven. Trenkle added nine points, while Mayol ended her Bowdoin career on a high note, scoring nine points, making three assists, and grabbing four steals. Nickerson also chipped in nine, while Bramwell scored six. Bowdoin was dominated by a single competitor: St. Lawrence's Meredith Eisenhut, who led the game with 25 points. After the well-fought game, Royer received all-tournament honors, while Trenkle was picked to the All-Regional team.

St. Lawrence went on to compete in the Final Four, and defeated DePauw 69 to 54. In the final game, the team was defeated by the University of Wisconsin - Steven's Point; the game ended with a score of 67 to 65.

The Polar Bears will miss the stellar play of their lone senior, Jessie Mayol, as they go into next season. Mayol described her final season at Bowdoin with warm feelings, noting that, "This was a special season and our team was composed of twelve girls who truly understood the words commitment, teamwork, and pride…I'm not sure if Bowdoin has ever seen a more talented basketball team but I'm sure the talent will continue in future years."